Historic Prisoner Exchange: USA and Russia Swap Detainees

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, a historic prisoner exchange was carried out on Thursday between the United States and Russia, leading to the release of 24 individuals from their respective countries.

A plane carrying three American detainees, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan, landed in the US just before midnight, where they were welcomed back by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Gershkovich, who was imprisoned in Russia in 2023 and found guilty of spying charges, was released along with journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who holds dual US-Russian citizenship. Whelan, a corporate security executive, was jailed since 2018 and accused of espionage.

The exchange came as part of a multinational agreement and saw the release of Kremlin critics and individuals detained by Russia’s heavily politicized legal system. Those freed include Kara-Murza, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, and Oleg Orlov, a long-time human rights activist.

Biden hailed the deal as a diplomatic feat, saying: "Deals like this one come with tough calls… There’s nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad."

However, the agreement highlights a fundamental imbalance, with the US and its allies surrendering Russian individuals accused of severe offenses in return for the release of journalists and dissidents. Russia obtained two suspected sleeper agents, three individuals indicted by US federal authorities, and others.

The exchange follows a tumultuous period in US-Russian relations, which hit rock bottom after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

As President Biden noted, "Today illustrates the importance of having allies in the world." The release of these detainees marks a significant breakthrough in international diplomacy, demonstrating the ability of nations to work together despite their differences.