Additional Coverage:
- Kirby on prisoner deal trade-off: ‘Nobody’s delighted’ (newsbreak.com)
John Kirby, a national security communications adviser at the White House, expressed mixed feelings about the release of Vadim Krasikov, a key figure in a recent prisoner exchange, during an interview on Fox News’ “Special Report” with Bret Baier. Kirby stated, “Look, nobody’s delighted, or doing backflips over here because Mr. Krasikov is now a free man,” emphasizing the complexities of negotiation.
Krasikov, who had been incarcerated in Germany following his conviction for a murder in 2019, was one of several Russians released in the swap. The exchange also led to the freedom of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and others.
Kirby highlighted the difficult decisions made by international leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who agreed to release Krasikov as part of the deal. The U.S. also saw the release of Alsu Kurmasheva, Vladimir Kara-Murza, five Germans, and seven Russians in the exchange.
President Joe Biden celebrated the return of the detainees, acknowledging the ongoing issue of wrongful detentions and hostage situations globally. “Today, we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families,” Biden said. He reassured the families of those still detained or held hostage, promising continued efforts to secure their release.
Emma Tucker, editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal, thanked President Biden and his administration for their determined efforts to secure Gershkovich’s release instead of his potential fate in a Russian labor camp.
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- Kirby on prisoner deal trade-off: ‘Nobody’s delighted’ (newsbreak.com)