Biden confirms prisoner exchange with Russia

As Biden said, the following are returning to the United States:

• Evan Hershkovych, Wall Street Journal reporter;
• Paul Whelan, Marine veteran;
• Alsou Kurmasheva, Russian-American radio journalist;
• Volodymyr Kara-Murza, Washington Post journalist.

"The agreement that secured their freedom was a diplomatic feat. In total, we agreed to release 16 people from Russia, including two Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country," he added.

The head of the White House applauded the efforts of allies, who also took part in difficult negotiations to achieve this result. This is about:

• Germany;
• Poland;
• Slovenia;
• Norway;
• Turkey.

“And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American unjustly detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family. My administration has already brought home more than 70 such Americans, many of whom were held captive before my inauguration," the US President added.