Russia frees WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich in a major prisoner swap
1 آب 2024 15:52
Russia freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan in an exchange with the US, Bloomberg reported Thursday.
Bloomberg cited people familiar with the situation who asked for anonymity to discuss matters that have yet to be made public.
Gershkovich and Whelan were on their way to undisclosed locations outside Russia, per the outlet.
The US and its allies will send unnamed Russian captives that they are holding back to their country of origin.
Speculation around a potential prisoner swap intensified in recent days as several imprisoned dissidents were moved from their various penal colonies this week, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian journalist serving 25 years in Russia for criticizing the war in Ukraine.
The Moscow Times on Wednesday also reported that Russia was preparing for the swap, citing a source familiar with the planning.
If confirmed, the swap would be a massive win for the US.
The swap comes about a year-and-a-half after another high-profile prisoner exchange, in which US WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner was freed in exchange for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
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Bloomberg cited people familiar with the situation who asked for anonymity to discuss matters that have yet to be made public.
Gershkovich and Whelan were on their way to undisclosed locations outside Russia, per the outlet.
The US and its allies will send unnamed Russian captives that they are holding back to their country of origin.
Speculation around a potential prisoner swap intensified in recent days as several imprisoned dissidents were moved from their various penal colonies this week, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian journalist serving 25 years in Russia for criticizing the war in Ukraine.
The Moscow Times on Wednesday also reported that Russia was preparing for the swap, citing a source familiar with the planning.
If confirmed, the swap would be a massive win for the US.
The swap comes about a year-and-a-half after another high-profile prisoner exchange, in which US WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner was freed in exchange for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.