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 intelligence service, Turkey's presidency said. Among those being returned to Russia in exchange, the Turkish government said, is Vadim Krasikov, a Russian citizen imprisoned in Germany for killing a former Chechen rebel commander in a brazen assassination. This would be the first prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since star US basketball player Brittney Griner was swapped in return for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022.

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History of this topic

Russian authorities arrest dual Russian German citizen on sabotage accusations
1 week, 6 days ago

Russian authorities arrest dual Russian German citizen on sabotage accusations

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — Russia’s top domestic security agency said Tuesday that it has arrested a dual Russian German citizen accused of planning to blow up railway tracks on orders from Ukrainian intelligence. The German Foreign Ministry said that the German Embassy in Moscow learned on Tuesday morning of the arrest of a man believed to be a German citizen and is …

Putin's 'Merchant of Death' is 'back in the arms trade selling weapons to Houthis' after he was freed in prisoner swap for US basketballer Brittney Griner
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Putin's 'Merchant of Death' is 'back in the arms trade selling weapons to Houthis' after he was freed in prisoner swap for US basketballer Brittney Griner

Daily Mail  

A Russian arms dealer who was freed by the United States in a prisoner swap with basketball star Brittney Griner is now back in business and selling weapons to Yemen's Houthi militants, according to reports. Bout won a seat in local government as part of a far-right pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party last year Viktor Bout, sits behind bars at the …

Who is Pavel Rubtsov, the journalist released in Russia-West prisoner swap?
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Who is Pavel Rubtsov, the journalist released in Russia-West prisoner swap?

Al Jazeera  

Rubtsov, who has Spanish and Russian citizenship, was greeted by President Putin last week after spending years in a Polish jail. Below the character, there were four words: “Your empire needs you.” The 42-year-old Pablo Gonzalez Yague, also known as Pavel Rubtsov, a Spanish-Russian journalist – and apparent Star Wars fan – was part of the biggest prisoner swap between …

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 …

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 …

Dissidents freed in prisoner swap vow to keep up fight against Putin, recount details of release
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Dissidents freed in prisoner swap vow to keep up fight against Putin, recount details of release

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — When Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza was suddenly moved to a detention center in Moscow from a Siberian prison, he thought he was being taken there to be shot. Still, Kara-Murza stressed that such prisoner swaps are, in effect, “the saving of people’s lives.” The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison on February …

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 …

Putin ally warns freed prisoners to take 'new names and disguises'
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Putin ally warns freed prisoners to take 'new names and disguises'

Daily Mail  

Former Russian President and close Vladimir Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev has issued a chilling warning to political dissidents freed from jails in a huge prisoner exchange with Western countries. British journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and a host of Russian citizens were released from their prison cells yesterday in return for various Russian assets jailed …

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 …

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan Land In U.S. After Prisoner Swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan Land In U.S. After Prisoner Swap

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two others arrived home to the United States late Thursday night after a landmark prisoner exchange with Russia. President Biden and Vice President Harris greet Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva freed from Russia at Joint Base Andrews. When asked what his message to Putin would be, Biden …

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 …

US: Biden, Kamala Harris welcome newly freed Americans after landmark prisoner swap with Russia | WATCH
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US: Biden, Kamala Harris welcome newly freed Americans after landmark prisoner swap with Russia | WATCH

India TV News  

US-Russia prisoner swap: US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed four newly freed prisoners from Russia, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich and former marine Paul Whelan, after the largest prisoner swap in post-Cold War history. The prisoners included US journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist with dual US-Russia citizenship, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian political activist, journalist, author …

Russian ‘hostage diplomacy’ pays off: Decoding a wartime prisoner exchange
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian ‘hostage diplomacy’ pays off: Decoding a wartime prisoner exchange

Al Jazeera  

The swap conducted as Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine continues is significant for both the West and Russia, but means little for Kyiv, analysts say. They included the Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, recently sentenced to 16 years for spying; artist Sasha Skochilenko, handed seven years for swapping price tags in a supermarket with antiwar messages; former US Marine Paul …

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 …

Electoral politics become a subtext in dramatic prisoner swap with Russia
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Electoral politics become a subtext in dramatic prisoner swap with Russia

LA Times  

Vice President Kamala Harris greets reporter Evan Gershkovich at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday night following his release as part of a prisoner swap between Russia and Western nations. “That’s so nobody can figure out how bad it is!” Every president in recent years, including Trump, has overseen deals to free U.S. citizens from imprisonment in foreign countries. …

Who are the prisoners being released by Russia and the West?
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Who are the prisoners being released by Russia and the West?

ABC  

It's believed to be the largest prisoner swap between the West and Russia since the Cold War. He was charged with spreading false information about the Russian military, following the introduction of new laws that criminalised dissent against Mr Putin's war in Ukraine. She was charged with spreading false information about Russia's military and last month was sentenced to six-and-a-half …

The prisoner swap between Russia and the West shows how diplomacy, not law, governs exchanges
4 months, 3 weeks ago

The prisoner swap between Russia and the West shows how diplomacy, not law, governs exchanges

ABC  

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two other Americans were freed from Russia in a prisoner exchange on August 1, 2024. Amy Lieberman, a politics editor at The Conversation US, spoke with William Butler, a specialist in Russian and international law, to better understand this surprise prisoner release deal. The real question is whether it would be better if …

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 …

Who is Evan Gershkovich? The reporter falsely jailed by Russia at centre of US-Moscow prisoner exchange
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Who is Evan Gershkovich? The reporter falsely jailed by Russia at centre of US-Moscow prisoner exchange

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 Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Appearing in court, Evan Gershkovich …

Who has been freed in Russia-West prisoner deal?
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Who has been freed in Russia-West prisoner deal?

Hindustan Times  

Russia and the West have released a total of 24 prisoners in the biggest exchange since the end of the Cold War, officials said on Thursday. Chanysheva, 42, who once headed late opposition leader Alexei Navalny's offices in the central Bashkortostan republic, was sentenced to seven and a half years' prison in June 2023 for having created an "extremist organisation", …

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 …

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others freed in prisoner exchange
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others freed in prisoner exchange

Deccan Chronicle  

Washington: The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan in a multinational deal that set some two dozen people free, according to officials in Turkey, where the exchange took place. The trade followed years of secretive back-channel …

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 {{ …

See the faces of evil the West is sending back to Russia in the biggest prisoner swap since the COLD WAR
4 months, 3 weeks ago

See the faces of evil the West is sending back to Russia in the biggest prisoner swap since the COLD WAR

Daily Mail  

A hitman, a weapons dealer, and a money launderer are among eight prisoners released by the US as part of a historic prisoner swap with Moscow. The convicts were let go in exchange for the release of 16 prisoners from Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan. Vadim Krasikov, the so-called bicycle killer, …

As a historic prisoner exchange unfolds, a look back at other famous East-West swaps
4 months, 3 weeks ago

As a historic prisoner exchange unfolds, a look back at other famous East-West swaps

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — After years of isolation behind the bars and high walls of U.S. penitentiaries and Russian penal colonies, the prisoners will find themselves suddenly free, an emotional moment culminating from long, back-channel negotiations between Washington and Moscow. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print …

Who’s in the massive prisoner swap between Russia and the West?
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Who’s in the massive prisoner swap between Russia and the West?

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — One spent over 5½ years behind bars in Russia while other, higher-profile detainees were released ahead of him. The Prague-based editor for the U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Tatar-Bashkir service was accused of not self-reporting as a “foreign agent” and was convicted in July of spreading false information about the Russian military — charges rejected by …

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 …

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

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. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, greets reporter Evan Gershkovich at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following …

'Trump loses his hostage': Biden applauded for release of Gershkovich and Whelan
4 months, 3 weeks ago

'Trump loses his hostage': Biden applauded for release of Gershkovich and Whelan

Raw Story  

The Biden administration has secured the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan from Russian prisons as part of a prisoner swap, which wipes away one of Donald Trump's baffling campaign promises. "Trump loses his hostage as Evan Gershkovich is released," said Eric Columbus, former litigator for the U.S. House general counsel. "Wonderful …

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 …

Russia Frees Evan Gershkovich, Other Americans And Dissidents In Massive Prisoner Swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Russia Frees Evan Gershkovich, Other Americans And Dissidents In Massive Prisoner Swap

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Three imprisoned American citizens and one American green-card holder have been released by Russia as part of a massive prisoner exchange deal involving multiple countries, President Joe Biden confirmed Thursday. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza are among those on their way home, Biden …

Wall Street Journal breaks its silence as reporter Evan Gershkovich is finally RELEASED by Russia in biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Wall Street Journal breaks its silence as reporter Evan Gershkovich is finally RELEASED by Russia in biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War

Daily Mail  

The Wall Street Journal has praised the release of three Americans, including reporter Evan Gershkovich, as part of a historic prisoner swap between Russia and the US. A plane carrying American prisoners has landed in Turkey following a major swap between Russia and the US Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is among those released from prison in Russia 'That …

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 …

Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva released from Russia in major prisoner swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva released from Russia in major prisoner swap

ABC  

Three Americans who were sentenced to years in Russian penal colonies after secret "sham" trials are among 24 people who have been freed under the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War, the US says. The freed Americans include the Wall Street Journal's Moscow correspondent Evan Gershkovich and car parts company executive Paul Whelan, who were each serving 16-year …

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 …

US-Russian journalist convicted in a rapid, secret trial
5 months ago

US-Russian journalist convicted in a rapid, secret trial

Associated Press  

A court has convicted Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for the U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, of spreading false information about the Russian army and sentenced her to 6½ years in prison after a secret trial, court records and officials said Monday. He had said last year the charges stemmed from a book the Tatar-Bashkir service released in 2022 …

Russia convicts U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich of spying in a trial widely seen as politically motivated
5 months ago

Russia convicts U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich of spying in a trial widely seen as politically motivated

The Hindu  

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was convicted on July 19 of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison on charges that his employer and the U.S. government have rejected as fabricated. U.S. President Joe Biden said after the conviction that Gershkovich “was targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American.” “We …

Who are some of the Americans behind bars in Russia, and what are the prospects for their release?
5 months ago

Who are some of the Americans behind bars in Russia, and what are the prospects for their release?

LA Times  

Arrests of Americans in Russia have become increasingly common with relations sinking to Cold War-like lows. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was convicted of espionage Friday and sentenced to 16 years in prison in a trial that his employer and the U.S. government denounced as a sham. His supporters say the woman made baseless claims of sexual abuse that …

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