HomeInternational NewsMajor Prisoner Swap Between Russia and West Marks Historic Event

Major Prisoner Swap Between Russia and West Marks Historic Event

The largest and most extensive prisoner exchange between Moscow and the West since the Cold War took place on Thursday, transforming the lives of 24 detainees during a swap at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Turkey. The prisoners’ journey home began following an intense period of negotiations among the involved parties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was present to welcome eight Russian citizens, who had been detained in Europe and the United States and were accused of various offenses, including cybercrime, espionage, and murder. Upon their arrival at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, Putin expressed his satisfaction: “I congratulate everyone on their return to their homeland,” he stated. “I thank you for your loyalty to your oath, duty, and homeland, which has never forgotten you.”

Among those returned were several spies, including Anna and Artem Dultsev, a couple posing as Argentine art dealers who were arrested in Slovenia, as well as Roman Seleznev, a leader in cybercrime, and Vladislav Klyushin, who was convicted of insider trading in the U.S. One of the most notable prisoners was Vadim Krasikov, who shot the Chechen rebel leader Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in a park in Berlin in 2019. Krasikov, who had previously been wanted by Russian authorities for multiple contract killings, was never prosecuted.

In exchange, Russia released 16 inmates from its prisons. Among them was Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, who had recently been sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage, as well as artist Sasha Skochilenko, who received a seven-year sentence for replacing price tags in a supermarket with anti-war messages. Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and prominent opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza were also among those released.

American historians have called the exchange “monumental,” both for Russia and the West. Kimberly St Julian-Varnon stated to Al Jazeera that this will now allow innocent American and European citizens to return home to their families. She also pointed out that this is a victory for Moscow, as “its tactics of hostage diplomacy have paid off.”

Reactions from the Russian opposition have been mixed. Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of the late critic Alexey Navalny, wrote on Instagram: “It is a joy to see them all out of captivity. No one should be held hostage by Putin.” Meanwhile, the opposition also expressed concerns that reprisals against dissenters will not cease.

Other analysts have been more skeptical. Alexander Gabuev from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center stated that while the news of the prisoners’ release is welcome, it does not indicate any solutions to Russia’s war against Ukraine or its relations with the West. “The confrontation is only becoming more dangerous,” he said.

The recent prisoner exchange underscores the urgent need to address the human costs of the conflict and the political tensions between Russia and the West. While some rejoice at the freedoms granted to those released, it is evident that the struggle for justice and security for many is far from over.

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