Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the significant role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in facilitating a historic U.S.-Russian prisoner exchange during a panel at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Putin expressed gratitude for the Crown Prince's involvement in the initial negotiations, which contributed to the return of U.S. citizens, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, detained in Russia. The exchange, taking place on August 1, involved 26 individuals and marked the largest such action since the Cold War, with cooperation from Turkey and other nations. Putin noted the exchange was in the interests of all parties involved, while maintaining that Gershkovich was guilty of espionage. This event underscores the growing diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia, especially since their collaboration in the OPEC+ energy deal. In unrelated news, a lawyer crashed his car into a Kachori shop in Delhi, injuring six people and leading to his arrest.