Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been released from a Russian prison after nearly 500 days, part of a significant prisoner swap involving 26 individuals between Russia and the West. Prior to his release, Gershkovich submitted a request to interview President Vladimir Putin as part of his clemency application. His imprisonment on espionage charges was labeled illegitimate by the U.S. government, and his release was confirmed amid a complex negotiation involving American diplomats and intelligence officials. The swap included other notable prisoners, such as former U.S. marine Paul Whelan and dissident journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza. The Wall Street Journal's editor-in-chief expressed relief and condemned the Russian regime for Gershkovich's unjust detention. This event marks one of the largest prisoner exchanges since the Cold War, highlighting ongoing tensions between Russia and the West.