American reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan were among four former prisoners released from Russia in a large prisoner swap that landed them back on American soil Thursday night. The quartet of released prisoners, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia in 2023 on espionage charges, was seen smiling as he arrived with his mother Ella Milman. The freed Americans, including American green-card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alsu Kurmasheva, did not speak to reporters but were instead greeted with hugs by loved ones.
The prisoner swap involved the release of 24 prisoners across multiple countries, with Russia negotiating the release of eight prisoners in U.S. custody in exchange for the Americans. The released prisoners who were previously held captive in the U.S. included individuals from Germany, Slovenia, Norway, Poland, and the U.S.
President Biden and Vice President Harris expressed gratitude for the successful release of the Americans, emphasizing the importance of working together as a nation. The freed prisoners are now scheduled to fly to San Antonio, Texas, for further medical evaluation.
The emotional homecoming of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan marks the end of a long ordeal and a new chapter as they return to their families and loved ones in the United States.
