An assassin, a Putin foe’s death, secret talks: How a sweeping US-Russia prisoner swap came together
4 months, 3 weeks ago

An assassin, a Putin foe’s death, secret talks: How a sweeping US-Russia prisoner swap came together

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — It was December 2022 and the U.S. government’s chief hostage negotiator had just delivered Brittney Griner back to America after her 10-month imprisonment in Russia. President Vladimir Putin called him a “patriot,” perhaps sensing an opportunity to signal how far Russia would go to bring home anyone who might get caught acting on the country’s behalf. Speaking about the prospect of a prisoner deal, Scholz told Biden words to the effect of “For you, I will do this,” according to Sullivan and a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity But Navalny’s unexpected death later that month in an Arctic penal colony left U.S. officials feeling like “the wind had been taken out of our sails,” given the way it stalled momentum, said the senior administration official. In a trial that concluded in two days in secrecy in the same week as Gershkovich’s, Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist who was also included in the deal,was convicted on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military — allegations that her family, employer and U.S. officials rejected. Even The Wall Street Journal’s top editor, Emma Tucker, acknowledged that reality, writing in a letter published online that the swap’s terms were “predictable as the only solution given President Putin’s cynicism.” For the families, though, the immediate focus remained on being reunited with their loved ones.

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History of this topic

In the prisoner swap, Putin's signals that Russia won't forget its security operatives abroad
4 months, 3 weeks ago

In the prisoner swap, Putin's signals that Russia won't forget its security operatives abroad

New Indian Express  

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin strode along the red carpet between two rows of rifle-toting honor guards and warmly greeted intelligence operatives freed in the biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War. Putin is sending a signal that those working abroad will have maximum protection, and that if they are arrested, the state will fight for their return …

Putin’s hitman, spies and a credit card fraudster: The prisoners returned to Russia in historic swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Putin’s hitman, spies and a credit card fraudster: The prisoners returned to Russia in historic swap

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov is …

Russia issues chilling warning to released US prisoners after historic swap: ‘Let the traitors now…’
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Russia issues chilling warning to released US prisoners after historic swap: ‘Let the traitors now…’

Hindustan Times  

Russia issued a stern warning to the political dissidents and Western citizens the Kremlin released from jails after they were freed on Thursday in the largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War. Russia's Dmitry Medvedev threatened the freed prisoners, stating that they should hide under “new names” and “actively disguise themselves”. Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza released from …

3 newly freed Americans are back on US soil after a landmark prisoner exchange with Russia
4 months, 3 weeks ago

3 newly freed Americans are back on US soil after a landmark prisoner exchange with Russia

Deccan Chronicle  

Washington: The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free. Also released was Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive jailed since 2018, also on espionage charges he …

Americans freed by Russia in major prisoner swap arrive in US
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Americans freed by Russia in major prisoner swap arrive in US

Al Jazeera  

Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva were greeted by friends and family, as well as US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva have arrived back in the United States after being freed as part of the biggest prisoner exchange with Russia since the Cold War. …

Before Gershkovich: Big prisoner swaps between enemies
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Before Gershkovich: Big prisoner swaps between enemies

Al Jazeera  

From ‘Bridge of Spies’ at height of Cold War to last year’s US-Iran deal, our recap of the most significant exchanges. February 1962 | ‘Bridge of Spies’ The first major prisoner exchange between the Soviet Union and the US took place at the height of the Cold War on Glienicke Bridge, aka the “Bridge of Spies”, which is on the …

Who was freed in biggest Russia-West prisoner swap since the Cold War?
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Who was freed in biggest Russia-West prisoner swap since the Cold War?

Al Jazeera  

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been freed as part of the biggest prisoner swap between Russia and the West since the Cold War. Freed by Russia Lilia Chanysheva Chanysheva, who once headed late opposition leader Alexey Navalny’s offices in the central Bashkortostan republic, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison in June 2023 for having …

Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history

New Indian Express  

WASHINGTON: The U.S. and Russia on Thursday completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, a deal involving 24 people, many months of negotiations and concessions from other European countries who released Russians in their custody as part of the exchange. The Americans left behind Though Thursday's deal involves the most well-known of the Americans held in Russia, including two …

'Loyalty to motherland': Putin welcomes prisoners freed after landmark deal with West, promises state awards
4 months, 3 weeks ago

'Loyalty to motherland': Putin welcomes prisoners freed after landmark deal with West, promises state awards

India TV News  

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a hero's welcome to prisoners freed in a historic exchange with the West as they stepped off a plane in Moscow, promising them state awards and a conversation about their futures. Image Source : REUTERSRussia's President Vladimir Putin greets Russian national Vadim Krasikov, convicted by a German court of killing a Chechan militant. The …

Gloating Putin greets Russians with hugs and kisses as they return to Moscow after complex prisoner swap with Western countries
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Gloating Putin greets Russians with hugs and kisses as they return to Moscow after complex prisoner swap with Western countries

Daily Mail  

Vladimir Putin warmly welcomed Russian nationals - including a convicted killer - back to the 'motherland' with hugs and kisses after the biggest East-West prisoner exchange since the Cold War took place on Thursday. Vladimir Putin warmly embraces Vadim Krasikov, convicted by a German court of killing a Chechen dissident in Berlin The Russian despot also hugged another of the …

Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. and Russia on Thursday completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, a deal involving 24 people, many months of negotiations and concessions from other European countries who released Russians in their custody as part of the exchange. Here are some things to know: Who was freed Vice President Kamala Harris, right, looks on at Paul …

The largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War is a victory for journalism – and justice
4 months, 3 weeks ago

The largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War is a victory for journalism – and justice

The Independent  

The largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War did not seem likely even a few days ago, at least to the outside world. Complicated, to say the least, by the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties about the outcome of this year’s US elections, stalemate and stasis would have been the more likely …

This prisoner swap is a triumph – but it could be a sign of something even more profound
4 months, 3 weeks ago

This prisoner swap is a triumph – but it could be a sign of something even more profound

The Independent  

It is, by a long way, the most elaborate and comprehensive East-West prisoner exchange since the Cold War, involving 24 individuals from at least half a dozen countries. And it comes at a time when relations between Russia and the West could hardly be more frigid or present a greater risk to European – if not global – peace. Gershkovich …

Biden secured Russian captives' freedom 'an hour before' he announced he was dropping out
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Biden secured Russian captives' freedom 'an hour before' he announced he was dropping out

Raw Story  

President Joe Biden finalized the deal to get Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan released from Russian captivity about an hour before he announced he was ending his re-election campaign. The eventual prisoner swap that saw Gershkovich and Whelan returned to the U.S. took place five months after the death of Russian opposition leader …

Putin called him a patriot. But who is Vadim Krasikov, a Russian released in the mass prisoner swap?
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Putin called him a patriot. But who is Vadim Krasikov, a Russian released in the mass prisoner swap?

Associated Press  

Vadim Krasikov, the Russian at the center of Thursday’s mass prisoner swap, has long topped the Kremlin’s list for an exchange. Krasikov was convicted for the Aug. 23, 2019, killing of Zelimkhan “Tornike” Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen who had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and later claimed asylum in Germany. When Krasikov was arrested, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called …

Russia releases US journalist and other Americans and dissidents in massive 24-person prisoner swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Russia releases US journalist and other Americans and dissidents in massive 24-person prisoner swap

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free, officials said. Under the deal, Russia released Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who …

Russia releases US journalist and other Americans and dissidents in massive 24-person prisoner swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Russia releases US journalist and other Americans and dissidents in massive 24-person prisoner swap

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

US-Russia Prisoner Swap in Progress; Key Figures Include Reporter Gershkovich
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US-Russia Prisoner Swap in Progress; Key Figures Include Reporter Gershkovich

Deccan Chronicle  

Washington: A massive prisoner swap involving the United States and Russia was underway Thursday, a person familiar with the matter said. But Americans considered by the U.S. to be wrongfully detained in Russia include Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan. Russia has long been interested in getting back Vadim Krasikov, who …

US reporter Evan Gershkovich released by Russia in multi-country prisoner swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US reporter Evan Gershkovich released by Russia in multi-country prisoner swap

Hindustan Times  

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan have been released by Russia in a multi-country prisoner swap between US and Russia, according to a Bloomberg report. FILE PHOTO: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who faces charges of espionage, stands inside an enclosure for defendants as he attends a court hearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia July …

Americans released in prisoner swap with Russia are back on U.S. soil, welcomed by Biden and Harris
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Americans released in prisoner swap with Russia are back on U.S. soil, welcomed by Biden and Harris

LA Times  

This image released by the White House shows Evan Gershkovich, left, Alsu Kurmasheva, right, and Paul Whelan, second from right, and others aboard a plane Thursday after their release from Russian captivity. Soon, they’ll be wheels up, on their way home to see their family.” Sullivan called the negotiations “one of the largest and certainly one of the most complex …

Evan Gershkovich among 26 freed in major Russia-West prisoner exchange
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Evan Gershkovich among 26 freed in major Russia-West prisoner exchange

Al Jazeera  

The swap, mediated by Turkey, involved 26 prisoners and seven different countries, security officials say. Russia has freed Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-US Marine Paul Whelan as part of an extensive prisoner swap between Moscow and the West, US President Joe Biden has confirmed. “Today, three American citizens and one American green-card holder who were unjustly imprisoned …

Russia frees US reporter Evan Gershkovich in one of the biggest prisoner swaps with West
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Russia frees US reporter Evan Gershkovich in one of the biggest prisoner swaps with West

New Indian Express  

US journalist Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan were released from Russia Thursday, the Turkish government announced, in one of the biggest East-West prisoner swaps since the Cold War. A total of 26 people, including two minors, from the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Belarus and Russia were involved in the swap "carried out" by Turkey's MIT …

Who's who in the prisoner swap that has freed Evan Gershkovich from Russian prison
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Who's who in the prisoner swap that has freed Evan Gershkovich from Russian prison

NPR  

Who's who in the prisoner swap that has freed Evan Gershkovich from Russian prison toggle caption Dmitry Serebryakov/AP Three U.S. citizens and one legal permanent resident will be returning home from Russia as part of a massive prisoner swap that is one of the largest of its kind since the end of the Cold War. Among those being freed are …

Prisoner swap with Russia frees Americans including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Prisoner swap with Russia frees Americans including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan

NPR  

Prisoner swap with Russia frees Americans including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan toggle caption Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images In one of the largest prisoner swaps between the United States, its allies and Russia since the end of the Cold War, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan are among more than a dozen prisoners …

Brittney Griner reacts to prisoner swap between U.S. and Russia: ‘This is a big win, huge win’
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner reacts to prisoner swap between U.S. and Russia: ‘This is a big win, huge win’

New York Times  

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France — Team USA center Brittney Griner had just come off the court after her team beat Belgium in group play at the Paris Games when she was asked about her reaction to the news that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were part of a massive prisoner swap between Russia and several …

U.S.–Russia prisoner swap: What Brittney Griner’s case can tell us about Evan Gershkovich’s fate
6 months ago

U.S.–Russia prisoner swap: What Brittney Griner’s case can tell us about Evan Gershkovich’s fate

Slate  

Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter held in a Moscow prison on charges of espionage for the past 15 months, will finally be tried for his alleged crime next week—meaning that if Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to free him in some sort of trade, that date too could come soon. The Biden administration formally declared Gershkovich to be …

Russia extends deadline for preliminary probe into Kremlin foe Navalny’s death in prison, ally says
8 months, 1 week ago

Russia extends deadline for preliminary probe into Kremlin foe Navalny’s death in prison, ally says

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Russian authorities have extended the deadline for a preliminary probe into the still unexplained death of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, his ally said Wednesday. Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on the messaging app Telegram that the deadline has been extended until April 20, which means that “there is still no official information …

In a Secret Game of Prisoner Swaps, Putin Has Held Most of the Cards
8 months, 3 weeks ago

In a Secret Game of Prisoner Swaps, Putin Has Held Most of the Cards

Live Mint  

There were no aides and no note-takers in the Oval Office—just President Biden and his German guest. “Putin will take more and more Americans," said Fiona Hill, who sat across the table from Russia’s president as the top Russia adviser for President Trump. The president and his national security team feared Putin would sense weakness if the U.S. started eagerly …

Russian President Vladimir Putin breaks silence on rival Navalny's death in prison: ‘It happens…’
9 months ago

Russian President Vladimir Putin breaks silence on rival Navalny's death in prison: ‘It happens…’

Hindustan Times  

Russian President Vladimir Putin said early Monday that he supported an idea to release opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a prisoner exchange just days before the man who was his biggest foe died. Russian President Vladimir Putin In his first comments to address Navalny’s death, Putin said of the dissident’s demise: “It happens. Putin said Monday, also without offering any …

Putin Says He Agreed to Navalny Prisoner Swap
9 months ago

Putin Says He Agreed to Navalny Prisoner Swap

Live Mint  

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday he had agreed to exchange Alexei Navalny with prisoners in the West days before the Russian opposition politician dropped dead in an Arctic penal colony. For months, members of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation had been advocating for a deal that would have seen Russia release Navalny, who was serving sentences amounting to 30 years on …

‘Alexei Navalny supported prisoner swap for…’, Putin’s first comment on Kremlin critic’s death
9 months ago

‘Alexei Navalny supported prisoner swap for…’, Putin’s first comment on Kremlin critic’s death

Live Mint  

Russian President Vladimir Putin said early Monday that he supported an idea to release late opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a prisoner exchange just days before the man who was his biggest foe died. Navalny's allies last month also said that talks with Russian and Western officials about a prisoner swap involving Navalny were underway. Putin said Monday, also without …

Commenting on Navalny's death for first time, Putin says he supported prisoner swap for his foe
9 months ago

Commenting on Navalny's death for first time, Putin says he supported prisoner swap for his foe

New Indian Express  

Russian President Vladimir Putin said early Monday that he supported an idea to release opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a prisoner exchange just days before the man who was his biggest foe died. In his first comments to address Navalny's death, Putin said of the dissident's demise: "It happens. Navalny's allies last month also said that talks with Russian and …

Commenting on Navalny’s death for first time, Putin says he supported prisoner swap for his foe
9 months ago

Commenting on Navalny’s death for first time, Putin says he supported prisoner swap for his foe

Associated Press  

Russian President Vladimir Putin said early Monday that he supported an idea to release opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a prisoner exchange just days before the man who was his biggest foe died. Putin said Monday, also without offering any evidence, that several days before Navalny’s death, “certain colleagues, not from the administration” told him about “an idea to exchange …

Navalny aide says the Russian opposition leader was close to being freed before his death
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Navalny aide says the Russian opposition leader was close to being freed before his death

Hindustan Times  

Associates of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said Monday that talks were underway shortly before his death to exchange him for a Russian imprisoned in Germany. Pevchikh alleged in her video, without offering evidence, that Putin “wouldn't tolerate” setting Navalny free and decided to “get rid of the bargaining chip.” Asked at a regular news conference in Berlin about the …

Alexei Navalny death: Putin critic was set to be freed in prisoner swap before he died, says aide — watch video
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Alexei Navalny death: Putin critic was set to be freed in prisoner swap before he died, says aide — watch video

Live Mint  

Vladimir Putin's critic Alexei Navalny was set to be freed from prison in exchange for a Russian agent in Germany, but Putin ordered his killing, according to Navalny's associate Maria Pevchikh. Weeks before the death of Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critic, he was set to be freed from prison in exchange for a Russian agent imprisoned …

Navalny aides say the Russian opposition leader was close to being freed before his death
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Navalny aides say the Russian opposition leader was close to being freed before his death

Associated Press  

Associates of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said Monday that talks were underway shortly before his death to exchange him for a Russian imprisoned in Germany. Pevchikh alleged in her video, without offering evidence, that Putin “wouldn’t tolerate” setting Navalny free and decided to “get rid of the bargaining chip.” Asked at a regular news conference in Berlin about the …

A swap for Navalny was in the final stages before the opposition leader's death, an associate says
9 months, 4 weeks ago

A swap for Navalny was in the final stages before the opposition leader's death, an associate says

New Indian Express  

She didn't identify the U.S. citizens that were supposedly part of the deal. There are several in custody in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich arrested on espionage charges, and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan, convicted of espionage and serving a long prison sentence. U.S. commentator Tucker Carlson earlier this month asked President Vladimir Putin …

‘Brutally murdered’: World reacts to Alexey Navalny’s death in prison
10 months, 1 week ago

‘Brutally murdered’: World reacts to Alexey Navalny’s death in prison

Al Jazeera  

Leaders say Putin critic ‘paid for his courage with his life’ and that they hold Russia responsible for his death. Vice President Kamala Harris, commenting at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, said Navalny’s death, if confirmed, would be “a further sign of Putin’s brutality”. Speaking before Harris, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said reports of Navalny’s death underscore …

US ambassador visits American Paul Whelan at Russian prison
1 year, 7 months ago

US ambassador visits American Paul Whelan at Russian prison

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Diplomat: Russia might discuss swap for jailed US reporter
1 year, 8 months ago

Diplomat: Russia might discuss swap for jailed US reporter

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — Russia might be willing to discuss a potential prisoner swap with the U.S. involving jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after his trial on espionage charges, a top Russian diplomat said Thursday. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the state news agency Tass that talks about a possible exchange could take place through a dedicated channel that …

Official: Russia may discuss swap involving WSJ reporter
1 year, 8 months ago

Official: Russia may discuss swap involving WSJ reporter

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors …

Moscow might discuss swap for jailed U.S. reporter, Russian diplomat says
1 year, 8 months ago

Moscow might discuss swap for jailed U.S. reporter, Russian diplomat says

LA Times  

Russia might be willing to discuss a potential prisoner swap with the U.S. involving jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after his trial on espionage charges, a top Russian diplomat said Thursday. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the state news agency Tass that talks about a possible exchange could take place through a dedicated channel that Russian and …

Russia must immediately free 2 detained Americans, says U.S. Secretary of State Blinken
1 year, 8 months ago

Russia must immediately free 2 detained Americans, says U.S. Secretary of State Blinken

The Hindu  

Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged his Russian counterpart, in a rare phone since the Ukraine war, to immediately release a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained last week as well as another imprisoned American, Paul Whelan, the State Department said on April 2. In the call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Mr. Blinken conveyed “grave concern” over …

Blinken speaks to Russian foreign minister about WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan
1 year, 8 months ago

Blinken speaks to Russian foreign minister about WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan

CNN  

CNN — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Sunday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and called for the “immediate release” of detained Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, according to the US State Department. “Secretary Blinken further urged the Kremlin to immediately release wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan,” the readout continued, adding that the secretary and Lavrov …

Putin has broken one of the last taboos in a naked ploy for leverage
1 year, 8 months ago

Putin has broken one of the last taboos in a naked ploy for leverage

The Telegraph  

No one who knows Evan Gershkovich believes he is a spy. Under expanded war-time national security laws, that might be enough for the FSB to come up with a narrowly legal pretext for holding him, however absurd. The entire US press corps can be relied on to pressure the White House to get their colleague back, adding to the likelihood …

US marks anniversary of Paul Whelan’s detention in Russia
1 year, 11 months ago

US marks anniversary of Paul Whelan’s detention in Russia

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is marking the four-year anniversary of the detention in Russia of American businessman Paul Whelan, whose continued imprisonment is one of several major irritants in tattered relations between Washington and Moscow. Blinken said Whelan and his family are “suffering through an unfathomable ordeal” and he again condemned the American’s conviction, which was based on secret …

Vadim Krasikov: The 'assassin' that Russia wanted to swap for ex-US Marine
2 years ago

Vadim Krasikov: The 'assassin' that Russia wanted to swap for ex-US Marine

Firstpost  

US efforts to negotiate the release of former Marine Paul Whelan hit a roadblock over Moscow’s demand for the release of Vadim Krasikov. A former colonel in Russia’s domestic spy organisation, Krasikov is serving a life sentence in Germany for murdering a Chechen fighter in a park in Berlin in 2019 Washington: US efforts to negotiate the freedom of a …

Another Prisoner Swap on the Cards? US, Russia Hold Talks as Paul Whelan Rots in Jail
2 years ago

Another Prisoner Swap on the Cards? US, Russia Hold Talks as Paul Whelan Rots in Jail

News 18  

The United States and Russia again showed they can do business with their second prisoner exchange this year but, despite some suggestions by Moscow, few expect broader diplomacy over the Ukraine war. But President Vladimir Putin one day later dangled the possibility, saying that further swaps were “possible” with the United States, sparking speculation on which Russians he seeks to …

Putin says he is OPEN to more prisoner swaps with the U.S.
2 years ago

Putin says he is OPEN to more prisoner swaps with the U.S.

Daily Mail  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has now said he is open to more prisoner swaps with the U.S. after exchanging WNBA star Brittney Griner for 'Merchant of Death' arms dealer Viktor Bout in a move many saw as a victory for the Kremlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted he is open to more prisoner swaps with the U.S. after exchanging …

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