Journalist Evan Gershkovich 'free and on his way home' as part of US-Russia prisoner swap
From a Moscow jail cell, back to the US. ITV News Correspondent Robert Moore follows the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich
American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been freed as part of a prisoner swap deal between Russia and the United States that took place in Turkey.
Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was jailed by a Russian Court in July for 16 years over claims of espionage on behalf of the US government.
The Wall Street Journal said in its statement that the team were "overwhelmed with relief" following the news.
"Evan is free and on his way home. We are overwhelmed with relief and elated for Evan and his family, as well as for the others who were released.
"At the same time, we condemn in the strongest terms Vladimir Putin’s regime in Russia, which orchestrated Evan’s 491-day wrongful imprisonment based on sham accusations and a fake trial as part of an all-out assault on the free press and truth.
"Evan and his family have displayed unrivaled courage, resilience and poise during this ordeal, which came to an end because of broad advocacy for his release around the world."
The Wall Street Journal newsroom celebrates Evan Gershkovich's release
Former US marine Paul Whelan, who was also serving a 16-year prison sentence for espionage, was freed too.
Russian-British dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was serving a 25-year prison sentence on treason charges, joined Whelan and Gershkovich.
The exchange saw US and Russia complete their biggest prisoner swap since the cold war involving 24 people from seven different countries.
President Joe Biden hailed the "brave and bold decisions" which led to the exchange.
"The brutal ordeal is over, and they're free," he said.
"Moments ago the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval office.
"They are out of Russia. Earlier today they were flown to Turkey and soon they will be wheels up on the way home to see their family."
The US and allies gave up Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes including assassin Vadim Krasikov.
In 2019, he was convicted of killing Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen who had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and later claimed asylum in Germany.
Vladmir Putin welcomes back released prisoners to Russia
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin met the returning ex-prisoners on the tarmac of Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport.
Putin stood at the foot of the mobile stairs and briefly embraced each returnee.
The group then moved into the terminal, where Putin made brief remarks. “You will all be nominated for state awards. We will see each other again and talk about your future. Now, I want to congratulate you on your return to your homeland,” he said.
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On Wednesday, Russian aircraft reportedly flew to several remote regions where political prisoners, involved in the exchange, were being held, before they were transported away.
In 2022, Russia and the United States agreed to a prisoner swap which included women's basketball star Brittney Griner, who had been convicted on possession of cannabis.
Griner was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was imprisoned in the United States.
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