Biden’s family reportedly discussing possible ‘exit’ plan as top aide says president is ‘best person’ to beat Trump – live
GuardianJUL 14 2024
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, and several dissidents were freed from Russia on Thursday as part of an agreement between at least six countries involving at least 24 prisoners.
The deal, which was facilitated by Turkey, included the US, Russia, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, and Poland agreeing to release a total of eight prisoners, while Russia released 16.
Whelan had been detained by Russia since Dec. 2018 on espionage charges that both the Biden and Trump administrations denied. Gershkovich was similarly arrested in March 2023.
All administrations value American citizens' lives and will do almost whatever it takes to get them released from being detained around the world. But the Biden administration has been particularly extra effective at getting these deals done for numerous reasons, including its skill and the resources it has devoted to bringing Americans home.
Before spiking the football, the Biden administration should consider the dangerous message it has been sending to Russia by trading criminals for innocent Americans. The Russian regime has made hostage taking part of its mode of operation and there are still many Americans being wrongfully held. These deals may be incentivizing the Russians to detain even more Americans.