The trio, including Gershkovich, Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva from U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe, arrived at Joint Base Andrew in Maryland. Whelan disembarked first, followed by Gershkovich and Kurmasheva. They were warmly greeted by President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their families amid cheers from onlookers.
U.S. officials confirmed that over a dozen prisoners were released by Russia in exchange for Russian prisoners held in the U.S. and various European countries. In total, 16 political prisoners, journalists, and others, including five Germans, were exchanged for eight Russians held in the U.S., Germany, Norway, Slovenia, and Poland. Among the Russians were Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian state assassin in German custody, and three others in U.S. custody. This exchange marks one of the largest between the United States, its allies, and Russia since the Cold War.
“This is the largest exchange of individuals since the Cold War,” stated U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, highlighting the extensive and complex negotiations involved.
President Biden described the deal as “a feat of diplomacy” and expressed gratitude to the allies who collaborated with the United States.
“This exemplifies the importance of having trustworthy friends in the world,” Biden remarked in a statement.
Sullivan added that Biden aims to use this success to work towards the release of Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen still detained in Russia, and other Americans held in Syria, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
Gershkovich, arrested in Moscow in March 2023, was the first U.S. journalist charged with espionage since the Cold War. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison last month after being accused of collaborating with the CIA, allegations denied by Gershkovich, his employer, and the U.S. government. The U.S. classified his detention as wrongful. Whelan, a Marine Corps veteran with U.S., British, Irish, and Canadian citizenship, was arrested in December 2018 on espionage charges he vehemently denied. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
Whelan’s case gained significant attention when the U.S. attempted to secure his release alongside WNBA player Brittney Griner, who was detained for having cannabis oil. Griner returned to the U.S. in December 2022 and continued advocating for Whelan’s release.
“We are overwhelmed with joy and relief for the four U.S. citizens who returned safely to America today,” Griner and her wife, Cherelle, said in a statement. “The Biden-Harris Administration showed true leadership once again by doing whatever it took to bring Americans home. Every American returned is a win.”
