President Joe Biden shared a heartwarming video on his social media account, showcasing the emotional moment when former US Marine Paul Whelan, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and others were released from Russian custody in a significant prisoner exchange, marking the largest since the Cold War.
In the video, President Biden can be seen in the Oval Office, informing the families that their loved ones were on a bus heading to the airport. He expressed his overwhelming joy at their release, acknowledging the wrongful detention they had endured for an extended period.
The president handed the phone to individual family members to speak with their relatives, with special mention to Elizabeth Whelan, who shared a touching moment with her brother, Paul. Vladimir Kara-Murza, a green-card holder also part of the exchange, expressed profound gratitude to President Biden for negotiating his release, stating that he had lost hope of ever leaving prison.
Kara-Murza emphasized the significance of saving human lives and expressed disbelief at the turn of events, mentioning that there were a total of 16 individuals on the plane to freedom. He credited President Biden for the remarkable act of securing their release, highlighting the importance of such humanitarian efforts.
The video captured a poignant reunion between the detainees and their families, showcasing the relief and gratitude felt by all parties involved. The exchange was a testament to diplomatic efforts and the power of international cooperation in resolving complex situations.
