White House officials say they and their counterparts in six countries freed 26 people on Thursday as part of the most complex prisoner exchange since the Cold War. They say they have had “tough conversations” over the return of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and others detained in Russia.
Russian authorities arrested Gershkovich in March 2023 on charges of spying. They found him guilty and, two weeks ago, sentenced him to 16 years in prison.
On Thursday, they released him and 15 others, including former Marine Paul Whelan, who was held for more than five years for espionage. The Russians also freed human rights activist Oleg Orlov of the group Memorial, which was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
The detainees were handed over in Ankara, Turkey, for 10 people who had been held in the West. White House officials say there was no money exchanged.
US President Joe Biden says the “brutal ordeal” is over for those who have been released. He added that he and the families were able to speak to them by phone from the Oval Office.
Biden called the release a “feat of diplomacy and friendship.” He added it would not have been possible without allies from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey.
Russian President Vladimir Putin directed his gratitude to detainees who had served in the military. He thanked them for their “loyalty to the oath, duty and homeland.” He promised they would be nominated for state awards, and he reminded them that they have now returned home.