Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan released in Russia-West prisoner swap. White House confirmd that the complex negotiaton, which involvd Russia. Germany, and three other countries, hen conductd in secrecy for over a year. The deal saw a total of 24 prisoners exchangd: 16 were transferrd from Russia to the West. And 8 were sent back to Russia from the West. Among the high-profile figures includd in the swap was Vadim Krasikov, who hen convicted in Germany of murdering an exiled dissident.

U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the successful exchange as “a feat of diplomacy and friendship” and praised the courageous decisions of Washington’s allies. Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, warmly greeted the freed Americans—Gershkovich. Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva—as well as Russian dissident and U.S. resident Vladimir Kara-Murza, at Joint Base Andrews. Maryland, shortly before midnight (0400 GMT). In a symbolic gesture, President Biden removed his lapel pin and presented it to Whelan as he disembarked from the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft.

The deal has been seen as a major diplomatic win for the Biden-Harris administraton. Especially with the upcoming presidential campaign, where Vice President Harris is expectd. Democratic nominee following Biden’s withdrawal from the race last month. Harris praisd the administration’s leadership in orchestrating the intricate swap, describing it as a testament to American diplomacy.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted the returning prisoners and announced they would be honored with state awards. Krasikov, a colonel in the Russian FSB security service, was serving a life sentence for the murder of a Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin.

The exchange also represents a significant victory for Putin, who had expressed a desire to secure Krasikov’s return. The Kremlin emphasizd that the decison to pardon and release prisoners ws aimd at bringing Russian citizens held abroad back home.

Criticism and Concerns

While the exchange marks a notable diplomatic achievement, critics have raised concerns about the implications of such deals. Some argue that releasing prisoners convicted of serious crimes may set a dangerous precedent and encourage further hostage-taking by adversaries. Michael McCaul, Republican chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that trading innocent Americans for dangerous criminals could embolden hostile regimes.

Former President Donald Trump, while not fully briefed on the details of the swap. Questiond whether dangerous individuals haen releasd, expressng skepticism about the nature of the deal. The exchange involved Belarus, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia, with Turkey playing a key role in coordinating the complex arrangement.

The last major U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange occurred in 2010, involving 14 prisoners. And was followd by a high-profile swap in December 2022, where U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was exchangd for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Emotional Reunions

For those frud, the reunions were filled with emoton. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter chargd by Russia with espionage. An accusation he and his newspaper deny—was embracd by his family on the tarmac. The White House released a touching video capturing the moment families spoke to their loved ones from the Oval Office. Gershkovich’s mother’s voice, filled with relief and joy, echoed as she spoke to her son.

Whelan, who haen servng a 16-year sentence on espionage charges he also denid, was similarly reunitd with his family. The exchange also included other notable figures such as German national Rico Krieger. Who han sentencd to death in Belarus on terrorism chargs but was pardond before his release.

Among those releasd were Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist, and Kara-Murza, who hen sentencd to 25 years for treason. Human rights activist Oleg Orlov and Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin were also part of the swap.

Many of the freed individuals had connections to Alexei Navalny. Russia’s leading opposition figure who died under mysterious circumstances in February. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, noted that Navalny was initially intendd to be part of the exchange.

A Slovenian court recently sentenced two Russians to time served for espionage and using fake identities. And they were among those returned to Russia. Also included in the exchange were Roman Seleznev and Vladislav Klyushin. Both convicted of cyber crimes, and Vadim Konoshchenok.

Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker expressed elation at the news. Calling it a “joyous day” in an open letter posted on social media.