Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands in a glass cage in a courtroom in Yekaterinburg, Russia, June 26./AP
In one of the largest prisoner swaps since the Cold War, the U.S. and its allies exchanged prisoners with Russia, freeing Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, among others. Sixteen prisoners, including five Germans, were exchanged for eight Russians held in various countries. Key figures released by Russia included Gershkovich, Whelan, journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza. President Biden and national security adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted the diplomatic efforts involved, with Turkey playing a crucial role in the exchange. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed gratitude to Turkey for facilitating the safe return.
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