The three Americans released by Russia were welcomed by Joe Biden. In Moscow, Vladimir Putin welcomed the ten Russian citizens who were imprisoned in the West.
After a long journey from Moscow, via Ankara, the three American citizens released in the vast exchange between Russia and the West have finally arrived in the United States.
The former marine Paul Whelan is the first to get off the plane to applause and is warmly welcomed by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Next come the journalists Evan Gershkovich And Alsou Kumarsheva.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, we’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time” said the American president.
“I feel good. It’s been a long time. So I’m happy to be back.” said Paul Whelan as he got off the plane.
Newly released, Ilia Yashina Russian opposition figure, published this photo with former collaborators of Alexei Navalny.
On the Russian side, ten people who were imprisoned in the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia and Norway were released. The ten citizens were also welcomed by their president at the Moscow airport.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate all of you on your return to your homeland. I would like to address those of you who are directly connected with military service. I would like to thank you for your loyalty to the oath, to your duty and to the homeland, which has not forgotten you for a minute and brought you home.“, said Vladimir Putin.
It is one of the largest prisoner exchanges since the Cold War.
