Russia has executed its largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War, involving the U.S., Germany, and three other Western nations, with the Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MIT) playing a key role in facilitating the agreement.
According to the terms of the swap, 24 individuals have been released.
Eight Russian nationals, suspected of having links to Russian intelligence, have been extradited back to Russia.
The negotiations involved participation from the White House, the State Department, and the CIA, as well as European representatives.
American prisoners set for release include:
- Evan Gershkovich: Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in March 2023 on espionage charges.
- Paul Whelan: Marine veteran arrested in December 2018, sentenced to 16 years for espionage.
- Alsu Kurmasheva: Russian-American radio journalist detained in June 2023 for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military.
Other prisoners involved in the exchange:
- At least 12 political prisoners held in Russia are expected to be released to Germany.
- Eight Russian nationals, including some suspected of intelligence ties, will return to Russia.
- Vadim Krasikov, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence in Germany, is anticipated to be part of the exchange.
- Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic and Washington Post contributor, is expected to be flown to the U.S.
