Three Americans, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, returned to the U.S. after being released from Russian prisons in a major swap of prisoners involving 24 individuals across six countries. The Americans were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at Joint Base Andrews. Gershkovich and Whelan had been detained in Russia on charges of espionage, with Whelan insisting he was set up and Gershkovich denied the charges, stating he was doing his job as a journalist. The release of the prisoners followed months of negotiations and was characterized as an extraordinary day by Harris, who emphasized the importance of diplomacy and strengthening alliances. The Americans, along with Russian-British dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, were part of the swap that also involved the return of Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov from Germany. Upon arrival in the U.S., the Americans expressed relief and joy at being reunited with their families, with Biden calling the deal a feat of diplomacy and friendship. The families of the released prisoners expressed gratitude to Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and others who helped secure their loved ones’ release. The return of the Americans was hailed as a significant moment and a testament to the power of diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.
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