Three American citizens arrived in the United States late Thursday after a historic prisoner swap with Russia. They were welcomed at Joint Base Andrews by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The plane landed at 11:37 p.m. EDT, hours after Biden announced the release of U.S. Paul Whelan, a Marine; Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American radio journalist; and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
The Long-Awaited Return
Paul Whelan, who was arrested in Russia in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage in 2020, was the first to step off the plane. He was greeted warmly by President Biden, who shook his hand firmly, symbolizing the end of Whelan’s harsh ordeal. Following him was Evan Gershkovich, who had been arrested last year on charges of espionage during Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Last but not least, Alsu Kurmasheva disembarked after being imprisoned for allegedly disseminating lies about the Russian army. She was immediately embraced by her crying daughters, a poignant moment that highlighted the emotional toll of her detention.
President Biden expressed his relief and joy at their return, stating that their release was “a long time coming.” He credited the successful swap to strong diplomacy and the efforts of various allies. “Alliances make a difference,” he said. “It made a big difference that other nations stood up and risked everything for us.”
The Complex Prisoner Swap
The swap involved a total of 24 prisoners. Sixteen were held by Russia, including five Germans and seven Russian political prisoners who had worked with the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny. These individuals had faced severe repression for their opposition to the Russian government. Eight Russians were jailed in the United States, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, and Poland. Slovenia played a significant role, releasing two Russian spies, while Germany released a Russian hitman, according to reports.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin personally met with the released prisoners, greeting them at an airport. Biden mentioned that the deal had been in the works for a while but required ensuring all parties were on the same page. He stated that Slovenia acted appropriately at the appropriate moment. “It’s time to trust. When other leaders trust you, you can get things done. And that’s how this got done, with a lot of help.”
Vice President Harris praised Biden’s diplomatic skills, highlighting the importance of strong alliances. “This is a remarkable example of how crucial it is to have a president who recognizes the value of diplomacy,” she said. Harris emphasized that Biden’s ability to bring nations together played a crucial role in securing the release of the American citizens.
Behind the Scenes of the Negotiations
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed that the final piece of the swap was completed on the afternoon of July 21. He explained that the agreement came together in a call with Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob. Sullivan also mentioned another Russian journalist with British citizenship and a U.S. green card, who was released on Thursday and was expected to come to the United States soon.
There were also ongoing efforts to involve Alexei Navalny, the prominent opposition leader, in the prisoner swap. Navalny, a staunch critic of the Russian government, died in a Russian prison in mid-February. Earlier in the day, Vice President Harris spoke to Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, commending her courage in continuing her husband’s work for justice and the rule of law in Russia. Navalnaya expressed joy at the release of the prisoners, stating that they had been “saved from Putin’s regime.”
She shared on social media the names of those who had been freed, celebrating each release as a significant victory. “Nobody should be allowed to die in Putin’s prisons, be tortured, or be held as a hostage,” she said. Navalnaya also noted that efforts related to the prisoner swap were still underway to secure the release of additional detained individuals.
Sullivan named Marc Fogel as an American still detained by Russia, indicating that the work to free him and others was continuing. This historic prisoner swap marks a significant moment in international diplomacy, showcasing the power of alliances and the importance of trust between nations. The return of Whelan, Gershkovich, and Kurmasheva is not just a victory for their families but a testament to the effectiveness of diplomatic negotiations and international cooperation.
