According to Deutsche Welle, a historic prisoner exchange involving Russia, the US, and other nations was organized by Turkey, featuring journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza.
The Turkish news service Anatolia reported that the operation involved 26 people from prisons in seven countries, including Poland, as well as two children.
PM Tusk applauds successful prisoner exchange
Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the exchange in a post on the platform X, announcing that it had just concluded, allowing heroes of the Russian opposition and citizens of NATO countries detained in Russia to leave the country.
Tusk expressed gratitude to President Andrzej Duda and the security services for their "exemplary cooperation."
Poland includes GRU officer in major prisoner swap
Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Minister of the Interior and Administration and the Minister-Coordinator of Special Services, stated on social media that Polish authorities had agreed to include Paweł Rubcow, a GRU officer arrested in Poland in 2022, in the exchange with Russia, Belarus, and NATO countries at the request of the USA.
Polish authorities consented to the exchange, in which Rubcow would be handed over to Russia. In return, a group of wrongfully accused Western citizens and Russian human rights defenders were released from prisons in Russia and Belarus.
Dobrzyński noted that Poland welcomed the USA's commitment to intensify cooperation in combating hybrid aggression from Russia and Belarus.
Gershkovich family statement
“We have waited 491 days for Evan’s release,” announced Gershkovich’s family in a statement published by "The Wall Street Journal". They expressed deep relief and joy at his release, thanking President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and others who helped, while also appreciating the support from journalists and friends.
Source: PAP/x.com/@donaldtusk/Anatolia/Deutsche Welle/"The Wall Street Journal"
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