United States President Joe Biden addressed the White House on Thursday, August 1, regarding a significant multi-nation prisoner swap that has resulted in the release of several Americans from Russian detention.
Among those released are former US Marine Paul Whelan, Washington Post reporter Evan Gershkovich, prominent Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.
This prisoner exchange, which involved 24 individuals in total, is described by Biden as a "feat of diplomacy and friendship."
Biden praised the collaboration of allies saying, "This would not have been possible without our allies. Today is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world," as per Reuters.
The prisoner swap marks one of the largest exchanges between the US and Russia since the Cold War.
It follows months of negotiation and represents a rare instance of cooperation between Russia and Western nations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Biden, addressing the press with the freed prisoners' families present, criticized the "show trials" that led to their wrongful imprisonment.
He said, "Their brutal ordeal is over, and they are free. Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey and will soon be on their way home to their families. It’s an incredible relief."
Biden also shared that he and the families had spoken with the prisoners from the Oval Office, adding, "I said, 'Welcome almost home!'"
In response to a reporter's question about former President Donald Trump’s claims regarding the negotiation, Biden retorted, "Why didn't he do it when he was president?"
The news of the release was met with jubilation at The Wall Street Journal, where staffers celebrated the return of their colleague, Gershkovich.
