WASHINGTON, D.C. – “After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families,” President Joe Biden told America today.
Statement from Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State:
Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva are now on their way back to the United States from Russia. Through the extraordinary efforts of countless people in the State Department and across our government, the United States was able to strike an agreement to secure their freedom, as well as that of Vladimir Kara-Murza and twelve others held prisoner inside Russia.
We are grateful for the support we had from a number of our allies who made this deal possible, in particular Germany, Poland, Norway, and Slovenia. We further appreciate the Turkish government providing a location for the safe return of these individuals to the United States and Germany.
Through many difficult conversations over the past several years, I told the families of those wrongfully detained in Russia that we would not forget them. I know there are many times over those years where they have wondered if our work would ever bear fruit. But I also know that they never gave up hope, and neither did we.
Under President Biden’s leadership, we have secured the release of dozens of Americans who were held hostage or wrongfully detained. My pledge to the families of those still separated from their families is the same that I made to those returning home today. We will not forget you, and we will not rest until you see your loved ones again.
“Today’s deal included the release of seven Russian political prisoners,” President Biden continued. “They stood up for democracy and their own leaders threw them in prison. We helped secure their release because we stand for freedom – not just for our own people but for others as well. That’s who we are.”
(PHOTO of released Americans and others at top is property of U.S. Government.)
1 thought on “Biden Administration secures release of American hostages held by Russia”
Drumpf is trying to take credit for it. LOL