Biden & Harris Welcome Home U.S. Hostages Evan Gershkovich & Paul Whelan After Prisoner Swap With Russia

In a historic prison swap, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan were returned to the arms of their families late Thursday night under the watch of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The swap fulfilled Biden’s pledge to return wrongly detained Americans back home. When reporters asked if he had a message for America, Biden explained, “There’s nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.” He continued, stating, “The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship. They stood with us, and they made bold and brave decisions, released prisoners being held in their countries.”

However, critics said that the swap may encourage other countries to arrest more Americans in the future.

Warnings have been issued to U.S. citizens about the dangers of traveling to Russia, and U.S. officials have urged Americans in Russia to leave immediately.

The deal comes at a time during which the United States is ramping up supplies to Ukraine’s front line against Russian troops.

Only hours after Biden’s July 21 phone call with Slovenia’s prime minister, the president withdrew from the 2024 presidential race.

This deal seems to represent a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has used U.S. hostages to get Russians he values out of Western prisons.

Article by Tessa Powers