Several of the prisoners released by Russia in a historic swap with the West, the most complex and extensive since the end of the Cold War. Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and two other American prisoners released in the swap with Russia are returning to American soil on Thursday, August 1.
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The released prisoners were greeted with cheers and applause. The ex-detainees arrived on a plane that landed at around 11:40 p.m. (03:40 UTC) at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, where they were greeted by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their families.
The first to exit the plane was former Marine Paul Whelan, who spent six years in a Russian prison for espionage. The second to set foot on American soil was Evan Gershkovich, the journalist for Wall Street Journalarrested more than a year ago for espionage as well. He had been sentenced two weeks ago to 16 years in prison.
They were followed by Russian-American journalist Alsu Kourmasheva and green card activist Vladimir Kara-Murza.
The scene was broadcast live.
A historic day and a happy day, said Joe Biden a few hours ago. It must be said that for the president, whose term ends in a few months, this outcome is a political victory, analysis our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki. Although some Republican lawmakers question the use of prisoner exchanges, wondering whether it does not encourage Russia to continue imprisoning American citizens to use them as bargaining chips.
A total of 10 Russians, including two minors, were exchanged for 16 Westerners and Russians imprisoned in Russia in an exchange carried out on the tarmac at Ankara airport, Turkey.
” Their ordeal is over “, Joe Biden said at a press conference at the White House before heading to the military base, surrounded by the families of the released prisoners. Kamala Harris welcomed their return after a “ terrible perversion of justice “.
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