Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., is applauding the U.S. and several other countries for making a move to exchange prisoners on Thursday.
Following the announcement of the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War involving the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Germany, and other Western nations, four American residents have been released from Russian prisons. The swap involved 24 people including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and prominent Russian opposition politician and human rights defender Vladimir Kara-Murza.
“I am encouraged by this news. It is great to see Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva, as well as my good friend, Vladimir Kara-Murza, freed,” Wicker said. “I applaud our allies, particularly Germany and Turkey, for their efforts on this deal. Our work is not finished, and I will continue using my voice to bring others home.”
On Russia’s side of the deal, the communist nation received seven prisoners. Of those, former FSB colonel and convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov and several individuals accused of spying or cybercrime were returned to Moscow.
“This exchange speaks volumes about what our two countries value,” Wicker said. “Vladimir Putin is getting back a crew of thugs, murderers, and low-life criminals. The United States is welcoming home journalists, voices for democracy, and former service members.”
Wicker, who serves as the ranking member on the Senate Armed Forces Committee, is hopeful Thursday’s deal will kickstart more of its kind into being made. He pointed to American teacher Marc Fogel, who was left behind in not only this deal but a 2022 deal to get professional basketball player Brittney Griner back in the U.S. Fogel is doing labor in a Russian prison for trying to enter the country with medical marijuana.
“There are other Americans, including Marc Fogel, and brave Russians, who remain in Russian captivity,” Wicker said. “They all have demonstrated incredible courage during some of their darkest hours.”
Those with residency in the U.S. released during Thursday’s swap are all expected to be back on American soil by nightfall.
