US governmentThree Americans including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who were freed in a prisoner swap deal with Russia, have arrived back on US soil.
Mr Gershkovich, 32, was one of 16 prisoners swapped for eight Russian prisoners in what has been described as the biggest exchange since the end of the Cold War between Russia and the West.
The exchange at an airfield in Turkey also included the release of former US marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.
After touching down at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland, Mr Gershkovich, Ms Kurmasheva and Mr Whelan emerged from the jet to cheers from those on the tarmac.
ReutersAll three were greeted by US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris – before embracing their families.
Speaking ahead of their return, Mr Biden welcomed their release and declared: ‘Their brutal ordeal is over.”
He praised the role played by America’s allies, particularly Germany and Slovenia, and hailed the release of Mr Whelan, Mr Gershkovich, Ms Kurmasheva as well as leading Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza as a “feat of diplomacy”.
The three released Americans will be transported to the Brooke Army Medical Centre in Texas for a medical check-up.
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