The recent prisoner swap between Russia and the West marked a significant event in international relations, with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich among the 16 people released by Russia. This exchange, the largest since the Cold War, also included former US marine Paul Whelan and several prominent Russian opposition politicians and activists.
One of the key figures, Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman serving a life sentence in Germany, was also part of the swap. Others like Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeyeva, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and many more were released from Russian custody as well.
The prisoner release involved individuals from various countries, including Germany, Slovenia, Poland, Norway, and Belarus. The exchange brought relief to families and governments alike, ending the ordeal of those who were wrongfully detained or imprisoned on politically motivated charges.