President Biden is confirming a prisoner swap with Russia.
Biden said "Wall Street Journal" reporter Evan Gershkovich, American Paul Whelan and others are free in what's believed to be the largest prisoner swap with the Kremlin since the Cold War.
Providence Congressman Gabe Amo, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee says it is a day of many emotions.
“Today is a day that many have been hoping for, praying for, and working towards for a long time. I am relieved that Americans wrongfully detained by Russia — including former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich — are coming home. It’s an announcement made possible because of the tireless leadership of the United States to reunite our citizens with their families and loved ones.
“We must be crystal clear in the face of today’s long-awaited news. Those being released today deserve their freedom from Russian authorities. As we celebrate their release, we must not lose sight of the Americans being wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. We also must hold Vladimir Putin and his goons in Russia accountable for their barbaric war in Ukraine, their repeated violation of fundamental human rights, and use of innocent people as bargaining chips.
Gershkovich and Whelan were sentenced to prison for espionage, which both men and the U.S. denied.
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