Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed freed prisoners in Moscow, in a historic development, as Russia and the United States completed their largest post-Soviet prisoner swap on Thursday, releasing 24 individuals. It included notable Russian dissidents and journalists.
Putin embraced the returnees as they disembarked from their plane. In a video shared by the Associated Press, Putin is seen warmly greeting the group with hugs and handshakes, including a tearful woman.
The exchange saw Russia release American journalist Evan Gershkovich, corporate security executive Paul Whelan, and Radio Free Europe journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, among others.
In return, the US and its allies released Russians convicted or charged with serious crimes, including Vadim Krasikov, a notorious assassin who was serving a life sentence in Germany for a high-profile murder.
Despite the strained relations between Moscow and Washington following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the swap was finalized through complex negotiations.
European allies played a significant role, agreeing to release Krasikov, a key demand from Moscow.
In the US, President Joe Biden hailed the swap as a major diplomatic success, celebrating the return of Americans and emphasizing the importance of securing the release of detainees.
Biden’s administration has faced criticism for its approach, with some arguing that such deals could incentivize future hostage-taking.
The exchange surpasses the 2010 deal involving 14 prisoners and is marked by the rapid resolution of cases such as Gershkovich’s, who was arrested in March 2023 on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
His release, along with Whelan’s and Kurmasheva’s, underscores the intricate negotiations and international cooperation involved in resolving such high-stakes diplomatic issues.
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