President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to meet the Americans who have been freed from Russian custody upon their return to the US. The White House issued guidance stating that they will greet the freed individuals at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before returning to Washington, DC. The freed Americans include journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was held in Russia for 491 days, along with Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the prisoner swap with Russia, questioning the details of the exchange and suggesting that cash was involved. However, the US government has stated that no cash was paid as part of the swap. The families of the released individuals expressed relief and joy, with Evan Gershkovich’s family eagerly anticipating his return.
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, greeted the returning prisoners upon their arrival in Moscow. The exchange involved eight prisoners returning to Russia, including individuals involved in espionage and criminal activities. The US ambassador to Turkey confirmed that a plane carrying the released Americans has departed for the US.
The release of political prisoners from Russia has been welcomed by the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who views the exchange as a positive development for her country’s political prisoners. The Committee to Protect Journalists also issued a statement applauding the release of the individuals and emphasizing the importance of press freedom.
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