The United States and Russia completed a prisoner swap, releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich, American Paul Whelan, and others. The deal involved two dozen people and was negotiated despite strained relations between the two countries.
Key Points
Largest post-Soviet prisoner swap between U.S. and Russia
Involvement of multiple countries in the exchange
Release of high-profile individuals on both sides
Pros
Successful release of American citizens and journalists
Diplomatic feat by President Joe Biden
Cons
Concerns over the imbalance of the deal
Possibility of giving foreign actors leverage over the U.S.