US President Joe Biden has praised Germany and other allies for their involvement in the largest prisoner exchange with Russia since the Cold War. Biden commended Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Turkey for making 'bold and courageous decisions' by releasing rightfully detained individuals towards Russia.
He also acknowledged the allies for providing 'logistical support to bring the released US citizens home.' The exchange, executed by the Turkish intelligence service, resulted in the release of 24 prisoners, including the 'Tiergarten-Murderer' Vadim Krasikov, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in Germany.
Several Germans, including a man imprisoned in Belarus, were also released. The prisoner exchange involved seven states and was hailed by Biden as 'a diplomatic triumph.' He emphasized that some of the released individuals had been 'wrongfully imprisoned for years' and described their convictions in Russia as 'show trials'.
The Wall Street Journal expressed profound relief over the release of journalist Gershkovich. While the exchange has received mixed reactions in German politics, with some praising the humanitarian aspect and others expressing concern about the release of the Tiergarten-Murderer, Biden thanked Chancellor Scholz and other partners for their cooperation.
