President Joe Biden announced a major diplomatic success on Thursday with the release of three American citizens and one American green-card holder from Russia. The release was part of a 24-person prisoner swap, with the freed individuals expected to arrive in the U.S. by nightfall.
“All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over,” Biden stated, confirming that Americans detained in Russia “are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families.”
After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families. pic.twitter.com/1rYNBTt9tJ
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 1, 2024
Former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s efforts, as well as those of Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. allies, for securing the release. “It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their families where they belong,” Obama wrote on Twitter.
Thanks to the skill and persistence of @POTUS, @VP, and our allies, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza are being released from Russian custody. It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 1, 2024
Details of the U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap
While the swap secured these individuals’ freedom, others remain detained in Russia, such as American teacher Marc Fogel and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black.
The Largest Swap Since the Cold War
This exchange is one of the largest since the Cold War, with the U.S. releasing eight Russian nationals, including three from U.S. prisons: Vadim Konoshchenok, Vladislav Klyushin, and Roman Seleznyov. Additionally, two Russians held in Slovenia, one in Poland, and one in Norway have been returned to Russia.
This latest swap follows the December 2022 release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was exchanged for international arms dealer Viktor Bout.