Biden speaks after Paul Whelan officially freed in Russian prisoner exchange

After spending more than five years in a Russian prison, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan has been freed as part of a prisoner swap, the AP reports, citing to Turkish officials. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was also part of the swap, which allows the two wrongfully detained Americans held in Moscow to return home. According to CNN, the prisoner swap involved 24 detainees and seven countries. A report from Reuters on Wednesday night said it would likely involve Russia and Belarus on one side and the U.S., Germany, Britain and Slovenia on the other.

[@katherinekennedy6674]

Welcome home to Paul, Evan and all the other 16 who were freed today. We need to get everyone home who wants to be.

[@b_2productions344]

PAUL SHOULD have been free 4 YEARS AGO! guess he should have been more controversial

[@maikerumine]

Retire. You have fucked us over long enough.

[@user-nz5ov6kk2d]

Should have been done a year ago.

[@jmlewis435]

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!!!! I am soooo happy!!!!

[@Jarrodking4201]

Great that there coming home but what did we give them in return

[@pinopino7969]

He should have been let out instead of Brittany Griner.
Democrats process of thought at its best

[@lenacheney]

She wasn't even grateful

[@user-ig6hj5mr8g]

Thank you President Biden! 💙

[@FlatlanderJoe]

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[@FlatlanderJoe]

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[@ethanweeter2732]

Thank-you to everyone involved. Whoever helped in this trade needs to be thanked.

[@FlatlanderJoe]

@@ethanweeter2732 they could have done this years ago. The only reason it was done was to pander for votes. That's why Griner was released first after breaking drug laws in Russia, but this same admin allowed two innocent men to rot for years until their release was convenient. 🤡

[@wildatheart3182]

Some were held under Biden

[@tvbtvb5124]

Another great accomplishment by the Biden administration adding to the long list of
accomplishments for the American people. This president works hard, plays less golf,
holds less rallies, and spends no time whining about self-inflicted wounds. We're so
grateful for that, President Biden and Vice President Harris, for your hard work. Great
legacy to leave behind for others like you to follow. Thank you.

[@brianringham9745]

Good news..wonder what it cost us? Sure we got short shafted!

[@ethanweeter2732]

I am sure it won’t be great, but we needed to get them home.

[@deleond1]

Thank you😢 Biden