US Nationals and Green Card Holder Freed from Russia in Diplomatic Exchange

US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday the release of three American citizens and one green-card holder from Russian imprisonment. This release was part of 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.

"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.

International Cooperation in Prisoner Swap

Biden expressed gratitude to US allies such as Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey for their support during the complex negotiations. He emphasised the importance of having trustworthy friends in the world, stating that alliances make Americans safer.

"This is a powerful example of why it’s vital to have friends in this world whom you can trust and depend upon. Our alliances make Americans safer," he said.

The president highlighted that under this deal, Russia released 16 prisoners. These included four Americans, five Germans, and seven Russian political prisoners. In return, eight Russians held in the West will be sent back to Russia.

Commitment to Bringing Americans Home

Biden reiterated his commitment to reuniting every American wrongfully detained or held hostage worldwide with their families. He noted that his administration has brought home over 70 such Americans since he took office.

"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.

Families Reunited

Biden shared that he had spoken with the released individuals and their families from the Oval Office. He described the moment as an incredible relief for all family members involved.

"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 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," Biden told reporters.

The president also celebrated the return of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmashev, and Vladimir with their families. He reaffirmed his pledge to continue working for those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world.

"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.