WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: U.S. President Joe Biden concludes his address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)
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.
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