Historic Prisoner Exchange: Whelan and Gershkovich Freed

Biden Administration Secures Release of Detainees

Families Relieved and Overjoyed

In a historic development, the United States and Russia have exchanged 24 detainees, including former US Marine Paul Whelan, who had been held hostage for over five years. Whelan's brother expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Biden and other officials for securing his release.

Whelan, a former Marine from Novi, Michigan, was arrested in December 2018 while on a trip to Russia. He was accused of spying, a charge he has consistently denied. His detention has been a source of deep concern for the United States, which has repeatedly called for his release.

Along with Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was also released as part of the prisoner swap. Gershkovich had been detained in Russia since 2018 on charges of espionage. His release has been welcomed by the international journalism community.