In the largest Russia-West prisoner exchange since the Cold War, Russia freed US journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan on August 1.

Axar.az reports that the secret deal, negotiated by the US, Germany, and three other countries, involved 24 prisoners: 16 from Russia to the West and eight from the West to Russia. Among those exchanged was Vadim Krasikov, convicted of murdering a dissident in Berlin. The EU welcomed the release and called for all political prisoners' freedom. US President Joe Biden praised the diplomatic effort, while Russian President Vladimir Putin met returning prisoners in Moscow.
The exchange is seen as a diplomatic success for Biden's administration, though it doesn't change strained US-Russia relations. Critics worry it could encourage more hostage-taking. The deal included Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Belarus, with Turkiye coordinating the exchange. Russian dissidents released include Vladimir Kara-Murza and human rights activist Oleg Orlov. Gershkovich and Whelan were accused of espionage, charges they denied. The exchange occurred as tensions remain high between Moscow and Washington over the Ukraine conflict.