President Biden Welcomes Americans Home After Russia Prisoner Swap
In a moment of relief and celebration, Americans, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who were freed in a high-stakes prisoner swap deal with Russia, have safely arrived back on US soil.
Mr. Gershkovich, 32, was among the 16 American prisoners exchanged for eight Russian detainees in what is being hailed as the most significant swap since the end of the Cold War between Russia and the West.
The dramatic exchange took place at an airfield in Turkey and also saw the release of former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.
The freed Americans landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where they were welcomed with cheers and applause from supporters on the tarmac.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were on hand to greet the returnees, who shared emotional embraces with their families.
Addressing the nation ahead of their arrival, President Biden expressed his relief, stating, “Their brutal ordeal is over.”
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President Biden Welcomes Americans Home After Russia Prisoner Swap
