Russian citizens detained in various NATO countries have been released and returned home in a major prisoner swap operation orchestrated by Türkiye. The Federal Security Service confirmed the successful repatriation of eight individuals, including minors, on August 1, 2024.
The operation, led by the National Intelligence Organization of Türkiye, involved seven countries and a total of 26 individuals. Various aircraft transported the prisoners to Ankara from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and the US, with Belarus also participating in the swap.
The statement by the Russian government acknowledged the collaborative efforts of domestic and foreign agencies in facilitating the exchange. President Vladimir Putin subsequently issued pardons for individuals returned to the US, expressing gratitude to all countries involved.
This high-profile prisoner exchange reinforces the importance of diplomatic cooperation in resolving international disputes and ensuring the well-being of citizens caught in legal disputes abroad.