WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Three American families are reunited after a major prisoner swap with Russia.
The deal was diplomatically complex and involved years of negotiations with multiple different countries.
This prisoner exchange is historic. The largest since the cold war and just before midnight the deal unfolded on American soil.
There were tears on the tarmac during the heartfelt homecoming of three newly freed Americans.
“I feel great. It’s a long time coming. So, I’m glad to be back” said newly freed American Paul Whelan.
President Biden and Vice President Harris celebrated the emotional reunion with the families.
“This is about the essence of who we are as a country. It really is about personal relationships. It’s about family,” said Biden.
The deal involved a total of 24 prisoners, and it took serious concessions from western countries.
Russia and Belarus freed 16 people in exchange for the release of eight Russian prisoners from the U.S. and European allies, including a Russian assassin and spies.
“Alliances make a difference. They stepped up, they took a chance for us. It mattered a lot,” said Biden.
The deal allowed three Americans to come home. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich who was jailed in 2023, retired U.S, marine Paul Whelan and Russian American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva who arrested last October.
“It’s an incredible day. You can see it in the families, in their eyes and in their cries,” said Harris.
Republicans criticized the Biden administration for the exchange, saying it encourages future kidnapping, but President Biden says it’s his job to get Americans back home despite the risks.
“I don’t buy this idea that, you’re gonna let these people rot in jail because other people may be captured,” said Biden.
Among the critics is former president Donald Trump who posted on Truth Social demanding more details about the trade and raising concerns about the precedent it sets.
The White House says they agonized over the question whether prisoner swaps put America and our allies in danger. The national security adviser says the benefits outweigh the risks.
