The United States and Russia recently completed their most extensive prisoner swap in post-Soviet history. This exchange involved 24 individuals, including journalists, political dissidents, suspected spies, and others, after months of negotiations and concessions from European nations that also released Russians in their custody. Among the released individuals were Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, corporate security executive Paul Whelan, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza.
The prisoner swap, however, is unlikely to signify a substantial improvement in US-Russia relations. Previous exchanges during Russia’s conflict with Ukraine did not lead to a significant warming of relations. Despite this, the ability to reach such a deal amid ongoing hostility is noteworthy. Notably, there are still American citizens detained in Russia, including individuals like musician Travis Leake, soldier Gordon Black, teacher Marc Fogel, and Ksenia Khavana, accused of collecting funds for Ukraine’s military.
The exchange also highlighted an imbalance in participants, with the US and its allies handing back criminals deemed to be legitimately charged and convicted in Russia. For instance, Vadim Krasikov, convicted of killing a former Chechen rebel in Germany, was a significant part of the deal. Conversely, Americans and Europeans released by Russia were often seen as wrongfully detained or held on unjust charges. The late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was central to the discussions but was not part of the final agreement.
US President Biden emphasized the importance of protecting Americans both at home and abroad, while former President Trump criticized the deal, wrongly claiming that the US had given cash to Russia for the exchange. Biden celebrated the successful diplomatic effort as families of the returning Americans visited the White House, stressing the value of international friendships in such endeavors.
