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US-Russia prisoners exchanged: What we know

Prisoner swaps, a controversial practice with a long history, are back in the spotlight as Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan's freedom comes at a cost. Donald Trump and Joe Biden have taken vastly different approaches to securing Americans' release from foreign detention. Trump favored public denouncement and punitive measures, while Biden has quietly negotiated behind the scenes. The contrasting strategies ignite debate over the ethics and efficacy of engaging with adversaries. America's reputation and the safety of its citizens hang in the balance.

Published August 1, 2024 at 11:53am by Kinsey Crowley

Wall Street Journal Reporter Freed in Prisoner Swap with Russia

The Wall Street Journal announces Russia has released their reporter, Evan Gershkovich, along with former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, in a prisoner exchange involving multiple countries.

"Tough and complex negotiations," - President Joe Biden

The Swap:

Evan Gershkovich, WSJ reporter, detained March 2023.
Paul Whelan, former US Marine, detained Dec 2018.
Alsu Kurmasheva, Russian-American journalist.
Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian-British journalist.

Released by the West:

Eight Russians across 5 countries, incl. hitman Vadim Krasikov by Germany.

Historic, rare cooperation amid high Russia-West tensions.

Full Story | Live Updates | Trump's Silence | [Previous Swaps](https://www.wsj.com/world/africa/india/brittney-griner-viktor-bout-prisoner-swap-麼- explique-11639335207)