Biden Announces End of Ordeal for Journalists and Marine in Russian Prisoner Swap

President Joe Biden announced the successful return of three American citizens from Russian detention, marking the end of their "brutal ordeal" after they were arrested and accused of espionage. This significant event involved a historic prisoner swap, the largest since the Cold War, and was facilitated with the cooperation of multiple countries.

The Americans freed include Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, and Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine. They were released alongside Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian American journalist working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition activist and green card holder in the United States.

“This is a good day,” Biden stated at a press conference surrounded by family members of the freed prisoners. “Now their brutal ordeal is over and they are free.”

“This is an incredible relief for all the families gathered here,” he continued. “It’s a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who have been praying for this day for a long time.”

The released Americans were flown to Turkey before heading back to the United States, where they will reunite with their families. Biden noted that he and the families had the opportunity to speak with the released prisoners from the Oval Office.

The intricate deal saw a total of 24 prisoners exchanged and involved the collaboration of at least six countries, including Germany, Poland, Norway, Slovenia, and Turkey. At the heart of the negotiation was Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman serving a life sentence in Germany, who played a central role in the agreement.

“The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship,” Biden emphasized, highlighting the United States’ commitment to freeing unjustly held Americans worldwide. He also noted, “This deal includes the release of Russian political prisoners. They stood up for democracy and human rights. Their own leaders threw them in prison. The United States helped secure their release as well. That’s who we are in the United States. We stand for freedom, for liberty, for justice not only for our own people but for others as well.”

Biden added, “Deals like this come with tough calls,” reflecting on the complexities involved in international negotiations.

In a touching moment, Biden prompted the audience to sing “Happy Birthday” to Alsu Kurmasheva’s young daughter, Miriam, and gave her a hug, symbolizing the emotional weight of the reunion.

When questioned about whether he would communicate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden stated, “I don’t need to speak with Putin.” He also responded to former President Donald Trump’s claim that he would have secured Gershkovich’s release if re-elected, asking, “Why didn’t he do it when he was president?” Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023, well after Trump left office.

The Freed Americans:

• Evan Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in March 2023, accused of being a CIA spy and was convicted in June. Russian prosecutors alleged that Gershkovich collected "secret information" using "painstaking conspiratorial methods." He was detained in a Stalin-era prison in Moscow and reportedly allowed only an hour a day outside his cell.

• Paul Whelan, 54, a former Marine and director of global security for BorgWarner, was arrested in 2018 at a Moscow wedding. Accused of spying and possessing Russian state secrets, he was sentenced to 16 years in 2020.

• Alsu Kurmasheva, 47, was convicted of spreading false information about Russia’s military and sentenced to six and a half years in prison. Detained in June 2023 while visiting her sick mother, her release marks a significant moment in the fight against suppression of free speech.

• Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition activist and Washington Post columnist, was charged with treason for speaking out against the war in Ukraine. Alleging he was poisoned by Russian authorities, Kara-Murza developed a nerve condition and was sentenced to 25 years.

The exchange also saw eight Russians returned to Russia, including spies and a former high-ranking Russian Federal Security Service colonel convicted of murder in Germany. Among them was a Russian businessman convicted in Boston for a $93 million criminal scheme.

This prisoner swap underscores the United States' dedication to securing the freedom of its citizens and its allies. As these individuals return home, their stories serve as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape and the power of diplomacy.

Stay informed with the latest international developments by subscribing to our newsletter or sharing this article with your network.