A major prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, the United States, Germany, and Slovenia seems imminent, with reports suggesting it could be the largest swap since the Cold War. Speculations point to the return of jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to the US as part of the exchange, amidst unconfirmed disappearances of several dissidents and prisoners in Russia. Flight tracking data indicates significant government planes movements to and from prison regions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has refrained from commenting on the potential swap. Prominent figures like former US marine Paul Whelan and Russian-British dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza are among those possibly involved. Reports also mention the disappearance of Russian dissidents and activists from the prison system, raising speculations of a coordinated swap.
The exchange involves political prisoners perceived differently in Western countries and Russia. Media outlets draw attention to recent efforts, including pardons and secretive decrees by President Vladimir Putin, hinting at a possible formal exchange. The sudden developments hint at a complex and secretive maneuver involving multiple countries and individuals.