In this image released by the US Government, US journalist Evan Gershkovich (L), former US Marine Paul Whelan (2R) and US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva (R) are seen on a plane after their release from Russia on August 1, 2024. Gershkovich, Whelan, Kurmasheva and Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza were part of a 24-prisoner swap with Russia. Photo: HANDOUT / US Government / AFP
A plane carrying detainees released by Russia has landed in the United States at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, media footage showed.
Earlier, tears of joy flowed in the Oval Office the moment families of prisoners such as Evan Gershkovich, freed by Russia in the biggest such swap since the Cold War, first spoke by phone to their loved ones, a White House video showed on Thursday.
Happening Now: President Biden and Vice President Harris greet Americans freed from Russia at Joint Base Andrews. https://t.co/Z1gP6RUAIW
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 2, 2024
"This is momma. Do you hear me? It's your mom," Gershkovich's mother tells her son, a Wall Street Journal reporter, in the emotional two-minute video of the virtual reunion, posted by President Joe Biden's social media account on X.
"We just want to say how overwhelmed we are," Biden tells the released detainees as the families stand around the presidential Resolute Desk. "You've been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we are glad you are home."
A plane carrying Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, all prisoners freed by Russia, sits parked on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews on 1 August, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Photo: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images / AFP
Russia freed Gershkovich, ex-US Marine Paul Whelan and others on Thursday as part of the elaborate multi-country exchange that the White House said involved 24 prisoners, including Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov, released by Germany.
Every parent, child, spouse, and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024
In just a few short hours when our fellow Americans return home, those prayers will be answered. pic.twitter.com/2xglu30HE9
"Every parent, child, spouse and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time," Biden posted about the deal, which was negotiated in secrecy for more than a year.
In the video Biden tells family members the detainees have been released and are heading to board the plane that will take them from Russia to the United States.
"No word is strong enough for this. I was sure I was going to die in prison," Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza tells his family as they weep.
"I still think I am sleeping in my prison cell in Omsk instead of hearing your voice."
- Reuters
In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian citizens released in a major prisoner swap with the West, disembark from a plane at Moscow's Vnukovo airport on 1 August, 2024. Photo: Kirill Zykov / POOL / AFP
