Trump blasts negotiators over handling of reporter Evan Gershkovich’s release in US-Russia prisoner swap

WASHINGTON, DC: On August 1, the Biden administration negotiated the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and more than a dozen other prisoners from Russia.

The major prisoner swap, the largest since the Cold War, was carried out amidst President Joe Biden's decision not to seek a second term. According to multiple sources, the swap involved 24 adults and two children held across various countries, including the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus.

Donald Trump demands details of swap

Former president Donald Trump, who has consistently slammed the Biden administration’s approach to Americans held captive in Russia, called the negotiation an "embarrassment." Trump, who has prided himself on retrieving hostages without concessions, made his disapproval known on Truth Social.

He questioned the specifics of the swap, asking, “So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia? How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because I’m sure the answer is NO)? Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps."

The exchange included notable captives like former Marine Paul Whelan, journalists Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. Vadim Krasikov, a high-profile prisoner who was returned to Russia, was convicted of murder and imprisoned in Germany. Other returned individuals faced charges of espionage, fraud, and conspiracy.

Trump continued, “Our ‘negotiators’ are always an embarrassment to us! I got back many hostages and gave the opposing Country NOTHING – and never any cash. To do so is bad precedent for the future. That’s the way it should be, or this situation will get worse and worse."

He concluded by saying, “They are extorting the United States of America. They’re calling the trade ‘complex’ – That’s so nobody can figure out how bad it is!”

Reactions and broader implications

Senator JD Vance, recently named Donald Trump’s running mate, suggested that the release was influenced by Russia's expectation of Trump's return to the White House.

He told CNN, “We certainly want these Americans to come back home. It was ridiculous that they were in prison, to begin with, but we have to ask ourselves why are they coming home? And I think it’s because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trump is about to be back in office, so they’re cleaning house."

“That’s a good thing, and I think it’s a testament to Donald Trump’s strength,” he added.

On the other hand, President Biden labeled the swap as “a feat of diplomacy,” adding, “Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty.”

He praised the efforts of Vice President Kamala Harris, who played a crucial role in sealing the deal during meetings with European leaders. The White House lauded her contributions, potentially boosting her profile ahead of the November election, the New York Daily News reported.

The swap concluded after days of speculation about Washington and Moscow nearing an agreement. During a press conference, Biden detailed the return of three American citizens and one American green card holder.

Among them, Whelan and Gershkovich had been sentenced to 16 years for spying, charges they denied and which the US deemed baseless. Kara-Murza received a 25-year sentence for treason and other charges, while Kurmasheva was sentenced to six-and-a-half years for her activities.

US officials have long accused Russia of using American citizens as leverage, detaining them to orchestrate prisoner swaps that favor Russia, Forbes reported.