WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several Americans are being released from Russia in one of the largest exchanges between Russia and the West since the Cold War. Many Americans are still in custody.
“Today we’re bringing home Paul, Evan, Alsu and Vladimir,” said President Joe Biden.
A huge moment of relief and finality for several American families. 16 people in total were released from Russian custody, including four Americans, five Germans and seven Russian political prisoners. In exchange, eight people were freed by the West after months-long, closed door negotiations.
“Russian authorities arrested them and convicted them in show trials and sentenced them to long prison terms with no legitimate reason whatsoever, none,” said Biden.
One of the Americans include Wall Street Journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was accused of being a spy. Another is a man from Michigan, Paul Whelan. A former US Marine.
Michigan Senator Gary Peters (D- MI) released a statement saying in part: “Today is a joyous and long overdue day for Paul, his family and all who have been working tirelessly to get him back home to Michigan.” The Senator adds he has worked with officials and Paul’s family to press for his release and that there’s finally an end to their unimaginable nightmare.
While many are celebrating their homecoming, there are still several Americans detained abroad, including Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel.
In a joint statement from Pennsylvania Representative Mike Kelly (R- PA), Senators John Fetterman (D- PA) and Bob Casey (D- PA), they’re urging the swap to include Fogel. He is currently serving a 14-year sentence in Russia for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury.
Senator Casey said he wants the Biden Administration to use Fogel’s name and press harder for his release.
“There’s almost been no mention of his name by administration officials and that’s been terribly frustrating and completely unacceptable not only to the family but to me representing him and his family,” said Sen. Casey.
We asked the Senator what message he has for Fogel. His response: “I just want Marc to know as I conveyed to his family we will continue to press to get him out.”
President Biden said so far his administration has now brought home over 70 Americans, many of whom were in captivity before he took office.