Guardian

Biden’s family reportedly discussing possible ‘exit’ plan as top aide says president is ‘best person’ to beat Trump – live

Business Insider

WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison

Evan Gershkovich listens as he is found guilty of spying and sentenced to 16 years in prison

New York Times

Russian Court to Deliver Verdict on Evan Gershkovich

Democracy Now

WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich Convicted of Espionage, Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

Breitbart

Russia Sentences American Reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 Years in Prison

Alsu Kurmasheva: Family of another American journalist held in Russia call on Biden administration to do more to help

Evan Gershkovich espionage trial: Russian court to announce verdict

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.

USA Today

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 December 2018 on espionage charges that both the Biden and Trump administrations denied. Gershkovich was similarly arrested in March 2023.

ABC news

Among those Russia received was Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted of the 2019 killing of a former Chechen rebel in a park in Germany; two alleged sleeper agents, who were jailed in Slovenia; and three men charged by US authorities for spy work.

reuters.com

Associated Press

This deal was conceived through back-channel negotiations with Russia's war against Ukraine as a backdrop. Although the US and Russia have agreed to several prisoner swaps in recent years, this is the first that needed cooperation from other countries.

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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.

ABC news #

Among those Russia received was Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted of the 2019 killing of a former Chechen rebel in a park in Germany, allegedly under orders from the Russian government; two alleged sleeper agents, who were jailed in Slovenia; and three men charged by US authorities for spywork.

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While the swap was celebrated by most, it also raised concerns in certain circles that the West was trading rightfully charged criminals for dissidents, journalists, and others who were convicted under suspicious circumstances by politicized Russian courts.

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.

MSNBC

MSNBC #

Biden admin has been 'incredibly effective' in prisoner releases

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.

FOX News

FOX News #

'Dangerous message': Top Republican raises concerns over trading Americans for 'actual Russian criminals'

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Gershkovich, Whelan Freed From Russia in Massive Prisoner Swap

Russia

Espionage

Cold war

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 effective at getting these deals finalized thanks to the president's skills and the resources it has devoted to bringing Americans home.

The release of US citizens is paramount, but 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 wrongfully imprisoned. These deals may incentivize Moscow to detain even more US nationals.

Gershkovich, Whelan Freed From Russia in Massive Prisoner Swap

Gershkovich, Whelan Freed From Russia in Massive Prisoner Swap

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Gershkovich, Whelan Freed From Russia in Massive Prisoner Swap

Gershkovich, Whelan Freed From Russia in Massive Prisoner Swap

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