President Joe Biden is celebrating a prisoner swap that freed several wrongfully detained American citizens held in Russia, including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, saying Thursday “their agony is over.”
“Today, three American citizens and one American green card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally coming home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza,” Biden said in a statement.
“All told, we’ve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia — including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country,” he said. “Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over.”
Biden delivered remarks from the White House on the exchange, which officials said he was directly involved in helping negotiate. As he spoke, he was surrounded by family members of those released.
“It’s an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here,” Biden said. “It’s a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who’ve been praying for this day for a long time.”
Biden looked back at the family members and said “they never gave up hope” and that the day was “all about families being able to be together again.”
President Joe Biden speaks about the release of Americans detained in Russia during brief remarks from the White House, Aug. 1, 2024, in Washington.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
President Joe Biden speaks about the release of Americans detained in Russia during brief remarks from the White House, Aug. 1, 2024, in Washington.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Biden also thanked the other nations involved in the swap, which is the largest since the Cold War, saying “the deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship.”
“And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family. My Administration has now brought home over 70 such Americans, many of whom were in captivity since before I took office,” Biden said in the written statement. “Still, too many families are suffering and separated from their loved ones, and I have no higher priority as President than bringing those Americans home.”
“Today, we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families. We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Americans who were wrongfully detained in Russia have finally been freed thanks to the efforts of President Joe Biden. These individuals had been caught up in a nightmare scenario, facing unjust imprisonment in a foreign country far from their loved ones and the comforts of home. But now, after months of tireless advocacy and diplomatic negotiations, they can finally breathe a sigh of relief and return to the United States.
The details of each case vary, but the common thread among these Americans is that they were all victims of a flawed justice system in Russia. Some were detained on trumped-up charges, others were caught in the crosshairs of political tensions between the two countries. Regardless of the circumstances, their ordeal has come to an end thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Biden administration to securing their release.
The news of their freedom has been met with jubilation and gratitude from their families, friends, and supporters. For many, it has been a long and agonizing wait, filled with uncertainty and fear for the safety and well-being of their loved ones. But now, they can finally look forward to being reunited and putting this dark chapter behind them.
President Biden’s role in securing the release of these Americans cannot be overstated. His administration worked tirelessly behind the scenes, engaging in high-level diplomatic talks with Russian officials and leveraging every available resource to bring about a resolution to these cases. The successful outcome is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the importance of standing up for the rights of American citizens abroad.
As these individuals make their journey back home, they will undoubtedly be met with open arms and a sense of relief that is hard to put into words. Their freedom is a reminder of the enduring values that define our nation – justice, compassion, and the belief that no American should ever be left behind or forgotten.
In the end, the release of these Americans serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance and diplomacy. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. And for these individuals, that light has finally shone through, bringing an end to their agony and marking a new beginning as they return to the land of the free and the home of the brave.
