In a historic move on Thursday, the United States and Russia completed the largest prisoner swap since the end of the Soviet Union.

Moscow released journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and dual citizen journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, among others. In exchange, the U.S. and its allies freed several Russians charged or convicted of serious crimes.

The deal, involving over two dozen people, was a significant diplomatic effort amid the lowest point in U.S.-Russia relations since the Cold War.

Moscow set free journalist Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, along with notable dissidents, in exchange for Russians held by the U.S. and European allies.

This multinational deal marked the biggest exchange since the post-Soviet era, with over two dozen people gaining their freedom.

Gershkovich, Whelan, and Kurmasheva landed on American soil shortly before midnight, reuniting joyfully with their families. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed them with hugs at the airport, underscoring the emotional and diplomatic significance of the exchange.

The swap unfolded despite extremely strained relations between Washington and Moscow following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Initially, negotiators had considered including Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the exchange, but his death in February shifted the focus to the eventual 24-person deal, requiring significant concessions from European allies.

President Biden celebrated the swap as a diplomatic victory, despite the inherent imbalance of the trade. He emphasized the importance of protecting Americans globally, stating, "There’s nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad."

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter jailed in 2023 on espionage charges, was released, along with Whelan, detained since 2018, and Kurmasheva, convicted of spreading false information about the Russian military. Their families expressed immense relief and gratitude, with Gershkovich’s family eagerly anticipating a heartfelt reunion.

Among the freed dissidents were Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and Kremlin critic, along with several associates of Alexei Navalny. Others included Oleg Orlov, a human rights campaigner, and Ilya Yashin, imprisoned for his criticism of the Ukraine war.