Historic Prisoner Exchange: Several Germans Released

In the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War, 24 prisoners were released, including five Germans. Prominent individuals released include US reporter Evan Gershkovich, Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza, and the Tiergarten murderer Vadim Krasikow.

The exchange involved seven countries, and two planes from the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus flew the prisoners to Turkey. The strained relations between the West and Russia, particularly due to the Ukraine conflict, make this prisoner exchange significant.

The release of the Tiergarten murderer, who was convicted of a murder in Berlin on behalf of the Russian government, was a difficult decision for the German government. The exchange was welcomed by many, including the UN and NATO.

However, Amnesty International expressed concerns about the use of political prisoners as bargaining chips. The prisoner swap marks a significant moment in diplomatic history and highlights the complex dynamics between Russia and the West.