Biden, Harris welcome home Americans released in Russia prisoner swap
A plane carrying Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva landed at a military base in Maryland after they were freed by Russia in a prisoner exchange.
Watch CBS News
A plane carrying Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva landed at a military base in Maryland after they were freed by Russia in a prisoner exchange.
The Biden administration announced the release of three U.S. citizens from Russia, including Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, as part of a complex 24-person prisoner swap.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich went on trial behind closed doors in Russia on espionage charges he, the Journal and Washington vehemently deny. A conviction is considered almost certain.
"You understand when I say that I can't do an interview, which means that I can't answer any questions," Whelan told a Russia Today reporter.
Trevor Reed, released in 2022 in a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, was injured recently while fighting for Ukraine in the east of that country, CBS News has learned.
Following comments from the Kremlin, US officials recently confirmed that quiet discussions are underway with Russia to try to secure the release of Gershkovich and fellow wrongfully detained American Paul Whelan.
Griner hit the court at Fort Sam in Houston, where she is undergoing medical evaluations and spending time with family, her agent said.
Her plane landed in San Antonio, Texas. Griner was freed from Russia in exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout.
"No more days. She's coming home," the Mercury, Griner's WNBA team, said.
Griner has been sentenced for drug possession after vape canisters containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.
The swap of the Americans, including five oil executives held for nearly five years, is the largest trade of detained citizens ever carried out by the Biden administration.
