US and Russia Complete Historic Prisoner Swap
Former Marine Paul Whelan Released After Nearly Six Years in Russian Custody
Detainees Freed in Exchange for Convicted Russian Arms Dealer Viktor Bout
WASHINGTON — The United States and Russia completed the largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history Thursday, with the release of 24 detainees, including former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.
Whelan, who had been held in Russia for nearly six years on espionage charges, was released in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. The swap also included the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich from Russian custody.
Whelan's brother thanked President Biden and other U.S. officials for securing his release. "Paul's unwavering strength and courage in the face of adversity, and the tireless efforts of his parents and the U.S. government finally brought him home," he said in a statement.
The prisoner exchange was the culmination of months of diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Russia. U.S. officials had long sought Whelan's release, and the swap was seen as a breakthrough in relations between the two countries.
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