Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been released from Russian custody as part of a major prisoner swap involving multiple countries. The exchange, which took place in Ankara, is the largest of its kind since the Cold War.
Key Points of the Exchange
- Participants: The swap involved 26 prisoners and seven countries, including the US, Russia, Germany, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, and Turkey.
- Released Individuals:
- Evan Gershkovich: Convicted on spying charges in Russia.
- Paul Whelan: A former US marine serving a sentence for espionage.
- Ilya Yashin: Prominent Russian dissident.
- Alsu Kurmasheva: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter.
- Vladimir Kara-Murza: UK-Russian dual national and Washington Post columnist.
- Rico Krieger: German national detained in Belarus.
- Returnees to Russia:
- Vadim Krasikov: Convicted hitman.
- Various individuals including two children, and prisoners arrested by Norway, Poland, and Slovenia for crimes including espionage.
Reactions and Statements
- US President Joe Biden: Described the swap as a diplomatic achievement, expressing relief and support for the released individuals. He noted the suffering endured by those freed and praised the diplomatic efforts involved.
- US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan: Called the exchange “historic” and highlighted its significance given the number of countries involved.
- Wall Street Journal Statement: Expressed relief and elation at Gershkovich’s release while condemning the conditions of his imprisonment and the Russian government’s actions.
Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza are coming home. pic.twitter.com/wWGA83Ss8A
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 1, 2024
Background
- Gershkovich’s Arrest: Arrested in March 2022 in Ekaterinburg on charges of espionage, which both Gershkovich and the US government have claimed were baseless. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July following a secretive trial.
- Russian Claims: Russia alleged Gershkovich was caught “red-handed” but did not provide public evidence to support the charges.
Additional Information
- Turkey’s Role: Turkey acted as the mediator for the exchange and has positioned itself as a neutral party in the conflict between the West and Russia.
- Previous Detentions: The detention of several Americans by Russia was seen as part of a broader strategy to leverage their release for securing the freedom of Russian operatives in the West.
