On Thursday, the United States and Russia carried out their largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Soviet Union.
Moscow freed journalist Evan Gershkovich and American Paul Whelan, as well as dissidents like Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a deal that released two dozen people overall.
This swap occurred despite the strained relations between Washington and Moscow, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Initial talks even considered including Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but after his death in February, the final agreement involved 24 people and required notable concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin.
The deal freed journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners, and others.
President Joe Biden praised the exchange as a significant diplomatic achievement and welcomed the returning Americans’ families at the White House.
However, the deal highlighted an ongoing imbalance: the U.S. and its allies released Russians convicted of serious crimes in return for Russia freeing journalists and dissidents held under controversial charges.
