Early this morning, the White House announced a diplomatic breakthrough that has resulted in the release of three American citizens and an American green-card holder who were detained in Russia. The news comes directly from a statement released by President Joe Biden, who highlighted the joint efforts of allied nations in achieving this result. As per the official statement, the individuals finally coming home are Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza.
Securing their release was not a straightforward task, as President Biden described the process as a 'feat of diplomacy.' In what turned out to be a multi-national affair, the United States collaborated closely with several allies — including Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey — to effectively secure their freedom. This diplomatic effort was not only to bring home but deeply scrutinize, according to President Biden, Americans who had been unjustly imprisoned but also to facilitate the release of other political prisoners, comprising five Germans and seven Russians. Altogether, the maneuver has successfully secured the release of 16 individuals from Russian detainment.
The President expressed his gratitude towards the allied nations that stood in solidarity during the complex negotiations. He emphasized the importance of trust and dependence on friends in this world, stating that such alliances make Americans safer. Additionally, President Biden conveyed a clear message that he will continue to strive for the return of all Americans who are still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the globe.
Since taking office, the Biden Administration claims to have brought back over 70 Americans who were held captive, some from before his tenure began. "I have no higher priority as President than bringing those Americans home," Biden said, underlying his commitment to families still enduring the separation from their loved ones. The American leader concluded his remarks by celebrating the return of Whelan, Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, and Kara-Murza while also reminding the public of those who are still wrongfully detained. "We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong," he affirmed, as mentioned by the White House.
