Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan Freed in Russia Prisoner Swap

Wall Street Journal Reporter and Former U.S. Marine Among 16 Prisoners Released

In a stunning diplomatic breakthrough, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan have been freed from Russian custody in a prisoner swap.

Gershkovich, who had been held on espionage charges, was among 16 prisoners released from Russia. The swap also included Whelan, who had been imprisoned for four years on charges of spying. The exchange took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was orchestrated by the Biden administration and Saudi Arabia.

"Today is a great day for American diplomacy," said President Biden in a statement. "The United States has secured the release of two wrongfully detained American citizens, Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. We welcome them home with open arms."

Gershkovich, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, had been detained in Russia since December 2022. He was accused of spying for the United States, but his family and colleagues maintained his innocence. Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, was arrested in Russia in December 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in prison on charges of espionage. The U.S. government has repeatedly called for his release.

The prisoner swap marks a significant step in U.S.-Russia relations, which have been strained in recent years. The release of Gershkovich and Whelan is seen as a sign of progress and a potential thawing of tensions between the two countries.