Three Americans recently freed in a landmark prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia are set to receive medical evaluations at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were part of a swap involving 24 individuals, the largest of its kind since the Cold War. According to a San Antonio Report, the trio is expected quickly to board a flight to Texas for assessment and any required medical attention.

Gershkovich had been detained on espionage charges in Moscow since March 2023, while Whelan was in custody since 2018. Kurmasheva faced accusations of spreading false information about the Russian military, a charge made this past July. All charges have been repeatedly denied by them and the U.S. government. As reported by CNN and noted by the San Antonio Report, a U.S. official stated the Americans will receive "whatever care they need for as long as they need."

The reception awaiting them is set to be highly significant, with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeting the returnees at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before they head to San Antonio. This information comes per a CNN report. The circumstances echo those of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who underwent a similar medical evaluation at the same medical center after her release in a prisoner exchange with Russia in 2022.