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US journalist Gershkovich among 26 freed in Russia prisoner deal with West

US journalist Gershkovich among 26 freed in Russia prisoner deal with West

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A major international prisoner swap has taken place, involving 26 prisoners from seven countries, including the United States, Russia, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Poland, and Turkey. The swap is one of the biggest East-West prisoner exchanges since the Cold War. The deal involves the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed in Russia on espionage charges he and the US deny, and former US Marine Paul Whelan, who was also being held in Russia on similar charges. The US has argued that both men were being wrongfully detained. In return, the West released Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian assassin. The swap was mediated by Turkey and took place at an airport in Ankara, Turkey. The deal has been hailed as a "feat of diplomacy" by US President Joe Biden, who has vowed to continue working to free other Americans who are being held hostage or wrongfully detained around the world. The Kremlin has declined to comment on the exchange.

Donald Trump
Republican Party
1. I will have him out very quickly, as soon as I take office, before I take office.
Michael McCaul
Republican Party
1. If these reports are true, I am thrilled Evan, Paul, Alsu, Vladimir, and many others who have been illegally held by Putin's regime are finally coming home to their families.
2. I remain concerned that continuing to trade innocent Americans for actual Russian criminals held in the U.S. and elsewhere sends a dangerous message to Putin that only encourages further hostage-taking by his regime.
Joe Biden
Democratic Party
1. Today is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the dedication to bringing home those wrongfully detained.
2. Today, we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families. We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong.
Kamala Harris
Democratic Party
1. This is an extraordinary day and I'm very thankful for our President for what he has done his entire career but in particular in relation to these families and these individuals, and what he has been able to do to bring allies together on many issues but particularly this one.
Dmitry Peskov
Kremlin
1. I believe that all our enemies should stay there [abroad], and all those who are not our enemies should return. That's my point of view.
Justin Trudeau
Liberal Party
1. The release of Paul Whelan, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Evan Gershkovich, and thirteen more political prisoners is an immense relief.
Olaf Scholz
Social Democratic Party of Germany
1. That is why it was important to us that we have an obligation to protect German nationals as well as solidarity with the United States.
Dmitry Medvedev
Russian Federal Security Service
1. Let the traitors now feverishly pick up new names and actively disguise themselves under witness protection programmes.