A rare prisoner swap between the United States, Russia, and other countries was announced on Thursday, marking a significant moment of cooperation amidst heightened political tensions. The trade comes amid sanctions imposed on Russia over the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, following years of strained relations due to Russian interference in the 2016 election and annexation of Crimea.
Among the most notable American prisoners in Russia are Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, though it is unclear if they are part of this particular swap. Gershkovich, 32, was detained in March 2023 and sentenced to 16 years in prison in July. Whelan, 54, has been detained since 2018 and was also serving a 16-year sentence for espionage.
The details of the prisoner exchange are still developing, and it is recommended to stay updated on the latest news regarding this breaking story. The swap serves as a rare instance of cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, despite the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com