EU, NATO applaud Türkiye’s role in prisoner swap
Eurpean Union flag along with NATO flag and Turkish flag. (Photo via SETA)
The European Union and NATO celebrated the release of opposition figures and journalists detained in Russia, following a significant prisoner swap conducted in Ankara.
EU welcomes release of political prisoners
“The European Union is relieved by the release and transfer to freedom outside Russia and Belarus of a number of political prisoners, including EU citizens, facilitated with the help of Türkiye,” stated Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, through the bloc’s External Action Service.
Borrell emphasized that the individuals had been unjustly persecuted in Russia and Belarus for political reasons and called for the immediate and unconditional release of those still detained.
EU Commission president commends swap
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the releases, highlighting the injustice faced by the prisoners. She stated that the Kremlin had exchanged “innocent” EU, U.S., and Russian citizens for “convicted criminals and murderers.”
As part of the swap, 10 prisoners, including two children, were transferred to Russia.
Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) spearheaded the extensive prisoner exchange involving seven countries, resulting in the exchange and transport of 26 individuals to Ankara.
Seven aircraft from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and two from the U.S. were involved in the operation. Thirteen individuals were later transferred to Germany, 10, including two children, to Russia, and three to the U.S.
EU leaders express gratitude and commitment
EU Council President Charles Michel expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in facilitating the exchange. “I welcome the release of 16 people unjustly imprisoned by the Russian regime,” he said. Michel reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting those illegally detained in Russia and other regions.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, echoed Michel’s sentiments, stating, “Their freedom should have never been in jeopardy.”
NATO lauds cooperative effort
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praised the release of “wrongfully detained Allied citizens and Russian political prisoners,” acknowledging the close cooperation between NATO members. “The right to peaceful opposition and freedom of the media are vital for any functioning society,” he added.
NATO spokeswoman Farah Dakhlallah also called for the release of all individuals still “wrongfully detained.”
