Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich freed in historic US-Russia prisoner swap, Internet praises Biden admin

WASHINGTON, DC: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan were released from Russian custody on Thursday, August 1.

This significant diplomatic event took place as part of the largest prisoner exchange between Washington, Moscow, and other countries since the Cold War.

Historic exchange of 24 prisoners between US and Russia

The exchange involved 24 prisoners across six countries, following months of negotiations led by President Joe Biden.

Sixteen individuals previously detained in Russia were exchanged for eight individuals held in the US, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, and Poland, according to USA Today.

One of the key concessions was Germany agreeing to release Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov who has been in custody in Germany since 2021.

Families of Gershkovich, Whelan, and others gathered at the White House on Thursday, August 1 to receive the news of the release of their dear ones.

What were the charges against Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan?

In March 2023, Evan Gershkovich was taken into custody alleging that he collected state secrets on the Russian military on behalf of the US government — becoming the first American journalist to be detained in Russia since the Cold War.

In a closed-door trial on Friday, July 19, in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in prison. The reporter pleaded not guilty to espionage charges.

Paul Whelan, the former US Marine, had been detained in Russia since December 2018 over spying allegations. In 2020, he was convicted by Russia and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Following a prisoner swap in December 2022, nine-time WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner who was sentenced to nine years over drug charges was released from Russian custody. 

The Russian authorities exchanged the basketball star for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Internet praises Joe Biden's administration for securing release of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan

After Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan were freed from Russian custody following a prisoner swap, netizens praised the Biden administration for the successful negotiation and execution of the prisoner exchange.

"President Biden, as usual, for the win!!" a user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote.

Another tweet read, "This is incredible news, and shows you that much has been done behind the scenes. While Trump tries to grandstand with empty promises, the Biden/Harris administration gets things done quietly and methodically!"

"Thank you President Biden for your leadership! The nation is so grateful as our the families and friends of these released hostages. You ROCK! #HostageRelease" a netizen commented and someone remarked, "Joe never stops working."

"I love this for Trump. Tee hee. He was acting all big like he going to get his pal Putin to do his bidding, then Biden runs in and snatches him out of there. That's our Joe... :)" an individual tweeted.

Someone else remarked, "Biden & his administration are quietly getting things done. trump's presidency was like him -- lots of noise with no substance!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.