US-Russia Complete Largest Post-Soviet Prisoner Swap

The United States and Russia completed the largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, resulting in the release of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and several Russian dissidents. The exchange, involving seven countries and 24 prisoners, was negotiated between Russia's FSB and the US CIA. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were at Joint Base Andrews to welcome the freed Americans. Notably, Slovenia played a role by extraditing two Russian spies who had been operating under false identities. The swap, which also included a convicted assassin and other spies, marked a significant diplomatic effort amidst strained US-Russia relations. President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the returned Russians, emphasizing their service to the country.