Up to 30 Political Prisoners May Be Freed in Unprecedented Russia-West Exchange
Reports suggest an unprecedented prisoner exchange may be imminent between Russia, the United States, and Germany. According to Pyotr Koslov, who cited an anonymous source familiar with the planning, Russia is preparing to release between 20 and 30 political prisoners and journalists in what could be the largest such swap since the Cold War era.
The list of potential exchangees reportedly includes prominent dissidents, activists linked to Alexei Navalny’s organizations, and individuals jailed for criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Among those believed to be part of the exchange are Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, and possibly American journalist Evan Gershkovich.
Recent developments have fueled speculation about the exchange. The Moscow Times recently reported that several high-profile prisoners have been moved from their cells to undisclosed locations. Additionally, aircraft from Rossiya Airlines, which serves the Kremlin, have been observed flying to regions where political prisoners are held, possibly to transport them discreetly.
Koslov’s source also said that Russian authorities have made significant efforts to maintain secrecy within the country until the last moment. The exchange could occur as soon as this week, though the exact timing remains unclear.
International media have also reported on related events. A Slovenian broadcaster cited anonymous sources claiming a major prisoner exchange involving multiple countries was expected in what they said was “the coming hours.” Around the same time, information about four Russians imprisoned in the US disappeared from the Federal Bureau of Inmates database.
If the reports are true, this swap would be the biggest since the end of the Cold War. A spy swap previously held the record in 2010 where 10 Russian agents who were living undercover in the US were exchanged for four people who had been imprisoned in Russia “for contacts with Western intelligence agencies.”
The last time Russia and the US made a swap was in 2022 when Washington freed notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout for American basketball star Brittney Griner.
The White House has refrained from commenting on specifics but reaffirmed its commitment to returning detained Americans from Russia. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the need for discretion in such negotiations, saying “We do not negotiate in public. We cannot negotiate in public because we want to make sure we can get this job done.”
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