Turkey has confirmed a major prisoner swap between Russia and a number of Western countries, involving the exchange of 24 adults and 2 minors at Ankara airport. The exchange included high-profile figures such as American journalist Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelen, and several Russian dissidents. Among the prisoners returned to Russia was Vadim Krasikov, convicted in Germany of a politically motivated assassination. This swap marks the largest such exchange since the end of the Cold War. US President Joe Biden highlighted the critical role of international alliances and the concessions made by Germany to facilitate the swap.
Turkey facilitated a major prisoner swap between Russia and Western countries, involving 26 individuals.
The prisoners exchanged included American journalist Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelen, and Russian dissidents.
Returned to Russia was Vadim Krasikov, convicted of killing a former Chechen rebel in Berlin on orders from Moscow Security Services.
The swap is the largest between Moscow and the West since the end of the Cold War.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged the role of Germany and other countries in making significant concessions for the deal.
Biden emphasized the importance of international alliances and highlighted his personal relationship with Chancellor Olaf Scholz as pivotal in the negotiation.
The German government described the decision to participate as difficult but made in favor of unlawfully imprisoned German citizens in Russia and in solidarity with the US.
Among the released prisoners coming to Germany are not only German citizens but also other notable figures, including Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza.
Approximately 25 Germans are still being held in Russian prisons, with the German government warning its citizens against traveling to Russia due to risks of arbitrary detention.
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