US President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris welcome Americans released after massive prisoner swap with Russia

Washington: ON Punjab Media: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris embrace at Joint Base Andrews after Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershko and two other Americans were released in a major prisoner swap with Russia. The exchange involved a total of 26 detainees, including 10 Russian minors, who were exchanged for 16 Westerners and Russians held in Russia. It was a high-stakes negotiation with the participation of several countries, including Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Belarus. Russian Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, who also had US residency, was released but returned to the US separately. He was released after 491 days in jail. Gershkovich’s family expressed great relief and joy at his return, eagerly anticipating reuniting with him. “We can’t wait to give them the biggest hugs and see their sweet and courageous smiles up close. The released prisoners will now undergo medical evaluation and care at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.