The widow of a former Chechen military commander, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, killed in Berlin, criticized German authorities for not informing her about the prisoner exchange that led to the release of his convicted killer, Vadim Krasikov, a Russian intelligence officer.
The exchange involved 24 people, with Krasikov and seven other Russians returning home. Khangoshvili’s widow expressed disappointment in the lack of consultation with the victims’ families regarding the decision.
While the release of Krasikov sparked controversy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the exchange, stating it was a difficult but necessary decision. The US National Security Adviser revealed that Scholz had promised President Joe Biden the release of Krasikov as a personal favor.
The exchange also saw Germany receive 12 prisoners, including Russian dissidents and German nationals. Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly welcomed the returnees, promising them state awards, while denying any involvement in Khangoshvili’s assassination.