UPDATED: President Joe Biden celebrated the release of Americans held in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine and national security director Paul Whelan, calling the deal that made it possible “an act of diplomacy and friendship.”
'Piece of diplomacy': Biden welcomes prisoner release in Russian exchange
“Several countries helped make this happen,” Biden said in a speech at the White House. “They entered into a difficult, complex negotiation at my request.” He named Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey.
“They all took action,” he said.
Alsu Kurmasheva and columnist and dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza were also released.
