Historic prisoner swap brings Americans home
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Four Americans wrongfully imprisoned in Russia are now enjoying their freedom after an historic prisoner swap betweenRussia and the U.S and several other countries.
President Biden was jubilant as he announced what is being called a “complex prisoner swap” involving seven countries – leading to the release of four Americans and twelve Germans from Russian prisons.
“And now their brutal ordeal is over, and they’re free.Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They’re out of Russia.“
The Americans included three journalists: Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza. Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, falsely accused of spying by Russia, was also released from a 16-year prison sentence..
As part of the deal, Moscow received eight Russians who had been imprisoned in five different countries. President Biden was grateful for all the diplomatic efforts.
“The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship -- friendship. Multiple countries helped get this done. They joined a difficult, complex negotiations at my request. And I personally thank them all again.”
Hours later, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was emotional when asked about the prisoner swap – which involved months of negotiations.
“Today was a very good day, and we’re going to build on it. Drawing inspiration and continued courage from it.”
The prisoner swap took place in Ankara, Turkey and was hailed even by President Biden’s fiercest critics.
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican of Louisiana, had some questions, but was pleased.
“Well, I’m obviously pleased for people coming home. I don’t know what we had had to give up. I haven’t I haven’t seen the final reports yet, but I do know what we got. And, I’m just very, very pleased.“
Senator Mitch McConnell joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson in expressing some skepticism, issuing a statement saying, ““Their unjust captivity will be an enduring reminder of the Russian government’s longstanding fear of free people and the free press. And the continued imprisonment of American citizens and innocent Russians is a damning indictment of Vladimir Putin’s hostility to the United States and his disdain for the rule of law.”
The Biden Administration has now won the release of 70 wrongfully-detained Americans in the past 3 and a half years.
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