In a major diplomatic effort, President Joe Biden announced the return of several Americans held in Russian prisons, highlighting the intricate and extended negotiations with European allies. The deal, which saw the release of 16 prisoners from Russia in exchange for eight Russians, marks the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War.
The U.S., along with Germany, Slovenia and Norway, secured the freedom of four Americans, four Germans and seven Russian political prisoners. One German detainee was also released by Belarus. The exchange was coordinated in Ankara, Turkey, demonstrating a significant multinational collaboration.
Among the released Americans are Paul Whelan, a former Marine detained since 2018, and Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter. The swap also included Alsu Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist, and Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Marza.
Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, praised the complex logistics that made the simultaneous exchange possible, describing it as “extraordinary.”
A key figure in the swap was Vadim Krasikov, a former FSB colonel convicted of murder in Germany. His inclusion was crucial for Russia, leading to extensive negotiations involving Germany. President Biden acknowledged German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s significant role in the deal, expressing gratitude for the cooperation.
Despite the success, the exchange has sparked criticism. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) welcomed the Americans’ return but warned against the dangers of releasing convicted Russian criminals, including Krasikov. He stressed the need for the administration to develop strategies to prevent adversaries from exploiting such deals.
The practice, known as “hostage diplomacy,” raises concerns about encouraging more unlawful detentions of Americans. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens countered this view, arguing that making these deals is essential to bring detained Americans home.
One notable absence from the exchange was Marc Fogel, an American imprisoned in Russia on drug charges. Sullivan referred to Fogel as “wrongfully detained,” a designation that could bring more focused efforts on his case in the future.
