The historic prisoner swap with Russia that freed American journalist Evan Gershkovich and 15 other Westerners was the result of meticulous, secret talks – and one crucial phone call from President Joe Biden, an hour before he dropped his re-election bid.

Biden welcomed the families of the three U.S. citizens and one U.S. resident to the White House on Thursday, just as the release in Ankara took place.

After an emotional phone call from the White House to their loved ones, they appeared before reporters with the president.

When asked what he told the newly liberated Americans, Biden replied, “I said, ‘Welcome almost home.’”