The United States, Russia, Germany and four other countries swapped at least two dozen people Thursday in the largest prisoner exchange since the height of the Cold War. Those released included American journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, Russian dissidents and others from the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus. The exchange caps months of painstaking diplomacy involving negotiations at the highest levels of multiple governments. "The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy," said President Biden in a statement. Russia received eight prisoners Thursday, and released 16, many of whom were unjustly accused or handed heavy sentences for minor offenses.

Source: Washington Post August 02, 2024 03:02 UTC