Biden Secures Release of US Nationals and Green Card Holder from Russia

US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday the release of three American citizens and one green-card holder imprisoned in Russia. This was achieved through a prisoner swap deal with Russian authorities. Among those freed were Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmashev.

Biden expressed gratitude to US allies, including Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey, for their support during the complex negotiations. He emphasised the importance of having trustworthy friends globally. "Our alliances make Americans safer," he stated.

Details of the Prisoner Swap Deal

The deal resulted in the release of 16 prisoners from Russia, including four Americans, five Germans, and seven Russian political prisoners. In return, eight Russians held in the West will be sent back to Russia. Biden highlighted that some of these individuals had been unjustly detained for years.

"The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy. All told, we’ve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia — including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over," Biden said.

Reactions from Families and Officials

Biden shared that he spoke with the freed individuals and their families from the Oval Office. "The 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 earlier today. They were flown to Turkey and soon they’ll be wheels up on their way home to see their families. This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here," he told reporters.

The president reiterated his commitment to bringing home every American wrongfully detained or held hostage worldwide. He noted that his administration has already secured the release of over 70 such individuals since he took office.

Commitment to Reuniting Families

"And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family. My Administration has now brought home over 70 such Americans, many of whom were in captivity since before I took office. Still, too many families are suffering and separated from their loved ones, and I have no higher priority as President than bringing those Americans home," he said.

Biden also celebrated the return of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmashev, and Vladimir, rejoicing with their families. He reaffirmed his pledge to continue efforts to bring home all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage globally.

"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," Biden said.