• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Biden calls Russia prisoner swap deal that freed WSJ’s Gershkovich, Whelan a ‘feat of diplomacy’
Economy

Biden calls Russia prisoner swap deal that freed WSJ’s Gershkovich, Whelan a ‘feat of diplomacy’

by August 1, 2024
by August 1, 2024 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

President Biden has called the prisoner swap deal with Russia Thursday that secured the release of The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others a ‘feat of diplomacy.’

‘Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They’re out of Russia. Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey, and soon they’ll be wheels up on their way home to see their families,’ Biden said during an address from the White House. ‘This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. It’s a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who’ve been praying for this day for a long time.’

‘The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship. Multiple countries help get this done,’ Biden added. ‘They joined a difficult, complex negotiation at my request. And I personally thank them all again.’

‘All told, Russia has released 16 prisoners. Eight Russians who were being held in the West will be sent home as well. The 16 prisoners from Russia that Russia has released include four Americans, five Germans, seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country,’ Biden continued.

The president said earlier in a statement released by the White House that ‘three American citizens and one American green-card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally coming home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza.’

Biden said ‘Russian authorities arrested them, convicted them in show trials and sentenced them to long prison terms with absolutely no legitimate reason whatsoever. None.’

‘Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over,’ Biden also said.

‘I am grateful to our Allies who stood with us throughout tough, complex negotiations to achieve this outcome — including Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey. This is a powerful example of why it’s vital to have friends in this world whom you can trust and depend upon. Our alliances make Americans safer,’ Biden continued.  

‘And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family,’ he added. 

Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on March 29, 2023, while reporting on a trip to the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg and accused of espionage. The Biden administration declared him ‘wrongfully detained’ and The Wall Street Journal and U.S. government both emphatically denied the charges, calling them absurd on their face. 

Whelan had languished in Russian custody for years. A well-placed source told Fox News that Turkish intelligence officials played a key role in mediating the prisoner swap.  

The last time Russia exchanged prisoners with the U.S. was December 2022, when it freed basketball player Brittney Griner in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia for smuggling and possessing cannabis. Like in Gershkovich’s case, Griner’s harsh sentence was viewed as Russia effectively taking an American hostage to obtain leverage over the U.S. 

Biden said Thursday during his speech that ‘It says a lot about the United States that we work relentlessly to free Americans who are unjustly held around the world. 

‘It also says a lot about us that this deal includes the release of Russian political prisoners. They stood up for democracy and human rights. Their own leaders shoot them in prison. The United States helped secure their release as well. That’s who we are in the United States,’ he added. ‘We stand for freedom and liberty, for justice, not only for our own people, but for others as well. And that’s why all Americans can take pride in what we’ve achieved today.’

Fox News’ David Rutz, Brian Flood and Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Biden nominates northern Indiana magistrate judge to 7th Circuit
  • Federal judge deals another blow to Minnesota copper-nickel mine proposal
  • Retired top FBI counterintelligence agent who led Trump-Russia probe arrested for own ties to Russian oligarch
  • Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder’s $60M bribery trial to begin next week
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
‘Dangerous message’: Top Republican raises concerns over trading Americans for ‘actual Russian criminals’
next post
Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thru ordering in hundreds of locations by end of year

You may also like

Angry climate change protestors force Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to...

July 26, 2023

Reports of Biden White House keeping ‘sensitive’ Hamas intel from...

May 14, 2024

FBI not ‘forthcoming’ with Trump, Biden classified docs after House...

March 6, 2023

Republican Erik Olsen to face off against Democrat in deep...

August 14, 2024

Larry Elder takes aim at San Francisco’s $5 million reparations...

January 20, 2023

Pro-lifers rejoice as Planned Parenthood announces national staffing cuts

May 25, 2023

Rep Pramila Jayapal appears to label Hamas attack on Israel...

October 12, 2023

Cori Bush blasted for ‘hoax’ after blaming Michael Brown death...

August 10, 2023

New Hampshire Gov. Sununu signs $15.2B ‘miracle’ budget into law

June 21, 2023

Tesla Stock Jumps 22% After Q3 Earnings

October 28, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp up Max production, CEO says

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025
    • Analyzing SIL, USO, and NVDA: Could These Bullish Patterns Trigger?

      May 29, 2025
    • E.l.f. Beauty to acquire Hailey Bieber skin care brand Rhode in up to $1 billion deal

      May 29, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,764 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,470 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,450 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,429 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,307 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp...

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Ted Cruz rips Buttigieg at CPAC:...

    March 3, 2023

    Legal group calls on Michigan bar...

    November 22, 2023

    Sen Tuberville says ‘Trump understands’ school...

    January 25, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here