I've been glued to the television this week watching the Olympics, specifically the women’s gymnastics. But tonight, I was more than happy to turn away from the all-around final to watch as Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and were greeted by their families, President Biden, and Vice President Harris.
Diplomacy often operates in the shadows, away from the public eye. The release of Gershkovich, Whelan, and Kurmasheva was the result of months of intense negotiations and strategic maneuvering.
This historic prisoner exchange, the largest since the Cold War, involved 24 individuals held in six countries. Among those freed were several Russian dissidents, including Vladimir Kara-Murza. In return, Russia received eight prisoners, including Vadim Krasikov, a Kremlin operative who murdered a Chechen activist in Germany.
I have become close to Alsu’s family this year. Her daughters, Bibi and Miriam, who have not seen their mother in nine months, have worked tirelessly with their father, Pavel Butorin, to raise awareness about her case and lobby the U.S. government for her release. Miriam is turning 13 tomorrow and couldn’t ask for a better present.
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My readers will remember that I have criticized the Biden administration for months for not designating Alsu as "wrongly detained." But it’s clear the administration demonstrated persistence and resilience in securing her release and that of the others. It’s fair to say that President Biden's administration scored a significant victory today.
Donald Trump has panned the deal and claimed he was uniquely positioned to secure Evan's release. In May, Trump stated that Evan would be freed "almost immediately" if he were elected President in the fall. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me, but not for anyone else, and WE WILL BE PAYING NOTHING!” He reiterated this claim during his debate with Biden in June.
For Putin the idea of the U.S. “paying nothing” is ludicrous. So, yes, concessions were made. To secure the hostages’ release, the United States and its allies needed to free actual criminals who were convicted in fair trials in Western courts where they received due process. Russia received Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin, and other prisoners with criminal backgrounds.
With the WNBA’s Brittney Griner competing in the Olympics, we can’t forget that the United States secured her release in exchange for convicted Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout. These exchanges rightly raise ethical questions about the cost of diplomacy and the lengths to which a nation should go to secure the release of its citizens. It also underscores the ruthless pragmatism of international relations, where moral victories often come at a steep price.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters in a Thursday call that Russia would not release the Americans without the release of Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in German custody.
That’s why one of the key takeaways here is that this complex swap isn’t just a triumph of negotiation but a testament to the importance of diplomacy, relationships, and alliances. It sounds corny, but friends, it's true. As President Biden stated, "This is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world whom you can trust and depend upon.” The involvement of Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey in the negotiations illustrates the strength and necessity of international cooperation. These countries took actions against their immediate self-interests to support the U.S., reflecting the deep trust and mutual reliance that define effective alliances.
For those who endured wrongful detention on fabricated charges, today is a time of great celebration for their families and everyone who has been advocating for their freedom. This swap, which frees journalists who suffered unjustly, is a significant win for independent media and press freedom.
I also understand the concerns that it could embolden other adversaries to engage in hostage diplomacy by detaining U.S. citizens on bogus charges. But it also sends a message to adversaries and allies alike about the U.S.'s commitment to its citizens and the lengths it will go to protect them. I believe that will also be true for Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher who was sentenced in 2021 to 14 years in prison for allegedly entering Russia with medical marijuana, who was not included in Thursday's exchange.
In the end, Putin will trade to free Fogel, for a price. Because let’s be honest, this swap highlights the Kremlin’s self-serving pragmatism. Putin was ready to cash in the chips he acquired by detaining innocent Americans and Russian activists, and he will be looking for an opportunity to do so again.
We don’t have to kid ourselves that this swap will lead to a newfound respect for international norms or reduction in Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. It won’t. But today, I’m happy to celebrate the win - for Alsu, Evan, Paul and their families.
We can and should celebrate as compassionate human beings. And recognize the diplomacy that it took to achieve this moment. American prestige is one aim in that diplomacy. I hope it was advanced in this transaction. Thank Heavens the families of the hostages are together again.
We can and should celebrate as compassionate human beings. And recognize the diplomacy that it took to achieve this moment. American prestige is one aim in that diplomacy. I hope it was advanced in this transaction. Thank Heavens the families of the hostages are together again.