Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, who was detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service. PHOTO: THE WALL STREET JOURNAL In a histori
In a historic prisoner swap, the largest since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia released Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, while the U.S. freed several Russian nationals, including journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.
The exchange, facilitated by Turkey, involved approximately two dozen individuals and followed years of covert negotiations despite strained relations between the two countries.
This complex deal marks the latest in a series of prisoner exchanges between the U.S. and Russia, but the first requiring significant concessions from other nations.
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“Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva are now on their way back to the United States from Russia. Through the extraordinary efforts of countless people in the State Department and across our government, the United States was able to strike an agreement to secure their freedom, as well as that of Vladimir Kara-Murza and twelve others held prisoner inside Russia,” said Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State.
While securing the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad, these swaps have come at a cost, with Russia obtaining the freedom of its own citizens convicted of serious crimes in the West.
Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen and journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was among those released.
She had been convicted in Russia of spreading false information about the military, charges vehemently denied by her family and employer. Her release was met with relief and gratitude by the broadcaster.
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This prisoner swap follows previous high-profile exchanges, including the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout and the earlier swap of Marine veteran Trevor Reed for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
These exchanges highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities of diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the context of escalating tensions and geopolitical conflicts.
“We are grateful for the support we had from a number of our allies who made this deal possible, in particular Germany, Poland, Norway, and Slovenia. We further appreciate the Turkish government providing a location for the safe return of these individuals to the United States and Germany,” said Blinken.
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