Ankara, August 2 - In what is being described as the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War, Russia and the West have released 26 individuals, including Wall Street Journal journalist Ivan Gershkovich. The exchange, facilitated by Turkey, involved a complex agreement resulting in the release of 16 individuals from Russian prisons and 10 from facilities in the United States, Europe, and other locations.

The deal saw 16 prisoners, including three US citizens, one US green card holder, five Germans, and seven Russian political dissidents, being released from Russian detention. In return, 10 prisoners held in the US, Norway, Slovenia, Poland, and Germany were released. Turkish officials reported that among the 10 Russian prisoners, two were minors.

Key figures released include journalist Ivan Gershkovich, who had been imprisoned in Russia since last year on charges of espionage and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Also released were former US Navy SEAL Paul Whelan, Russian-US dual citizen Alsu Kurmasheva, and US green card holder Kara Murza. US President Joe Biden praised the prisoner exchange, calling it a significant diplomatic achievement.

Gershkovich's arrest last year and Whelan's detention in 2020, on charges related to espionage and intelligence work, respectively, had been points of contention between Russia and the West. The successful exchange underscores a notable diplomatic effort facilitated by Turkey, which is coordinating the return of these individuals to their respective countries.