Biggest Russia-West Exchange: 24 Prisoners Freed

In a major prisoner exchange between Russia and the West, facilitated by Turkey, 24 prisoners, including US journalist Evan Gershkovich, ex-US Marine Paul Whelan, and Russian political prisoners, were freed. The deal also included the release of Russians convicted of crimes like Vadim Krasikov, an FSB colonel, who assassinated a former Chechen rebel.

The exchange was hailed as a diplomatic success by the EU and the Biden administration, while former President Donald Trump criticized it. The swap involved 7 countries, including Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Belarus.

The release follows a high-profile exchange in 2022 between the US and Russia. The exchange was intended to include Alexei Navalny, but he died before his release.

The swap involved journalists, dissidents, cybercriminals, and a hitman. The release of the prisoners was welcomed by their respective countries, but the exchange drew criticism for the release of individuals convicted of serious crimes.