I n a significant development, four U.S. residents have been freed from Russian detention as part of a major international exchange involving seven nations and 24 individuals. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr., who had been sentenced to 25 years on treason charges.
Gershkovich, who was convicted of espionage in a case widely criticized as a sham, had been serving a 16-year sentence in a maximum-security prison. The Wall Street Journal and U.S. officials condemned the charges against him. Whelan, 54, had been detained in Russia since 2018, following his visit for a friend's wedding. He too was convicted of espionage and had been serving a 16-year sentence in a penal colony.
Kurmasheva, a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was also among those released. The release of these individuals marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, with international negotiations leading to their freedom.
The exchange underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to address complex international issues and resolve high-profile detentions. The released individuals were greeted warmly upon their arrival in the U.S. late last night.
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