US, Russia welcome citizens returning home after Türkiye-led prisoner swap

Russia and the West conducted the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War. The complex operation was meticulously coordinated by Türkiye, emphasizing its role as a key mediator on the international stage.

Remarkable exchange coordinated by Türkiye

The prisoner swap involved the exchange of 26 individuals from multiple countries. Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) played a pivotal role in negotiating this intricate operation.

• Participants: The swap involved prisoners from the U.S., Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus.
• Numbers: A total of 10 prisoners, including two minors, were sent to Russia, 13 to Germany and three to the U.S.
• Notable figures: Among those released were Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, ex-marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

Warm welcomes across continents

Moscow’s red carpet ceremony: Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the returning Russian prisoners at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport. In a grand ceremony, Putin greeted each individual on a red carpet, praised their loyalty to Russia, and announced they would receive state honors.

Thank you for your loyalty to Russia. You will be awarded state honors for your bravery and sacrifice

Vladimir Putin

• Putin was accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Federal Security Service Director Aleksandr Bortnikov, and Foreign Intelligence Service Chief Sergey Naryshkin. As part of the welcome, Putin presented flowers to a woman and a young girl among the returnees, underscoring the emotional significance of the event.

Maryland’s emotional reunion: On the other side of the Atlantic, the three Americans returned home to a warm reception at Maryland’s airbase, greeted by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and numerous officials.

• Biden’s remarks: Families and officials celebrated the return of Gershkovich and Whelan, with Biden describing their release as a triumph of diplomacy. “Their brutal ordeal is over. This is a testament to the power of diplomacy and international cooperation.”
• Harris’ Statement: “This swap is an extraordinary testament to the power of diplomacy, highlighting our allied nations’ collaborative efforts.”

Personal stories of resilience

• Gershkovich: Evan expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support he received during his detention. He committed to advocating for lesser-known Russian political prisoners and acknowledged the difficulties he faced during nearly 500 days of imprisonment.
• Whelan: Detained on espionage charges since 2018, Paul echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the challenges of overcoming the personal and professional losses he endured while imprisoned. His family emphasized the need for privacy and support as he reintegrates into society.
• Alsu Kurmasheva: Alsu’s reunion with her family highlighted the emotional toll of being falsely accused and detained. She vowed to continue her journalistic work and raise awareness about the plight of others still imprisoned.

International reactions

• Global praise: NATO and the European Union praised the exchange, seeing it as a positive step toward easing global tensions. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with freed detainees, affirming the importance of their release after hearing their harrowing stories.
• Diplomatic success: President Biden praised the role of Türkiye and other allied nations, highlighting the significance of international cooperation in achieving this outcome. “Our allies stood with us, making this complex exchange possible,” he said.