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Pototan

(2,287 posts)
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:02 AM Aug 2024

WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich and Ex-Marine Paul Whelan released by Russia as part of major prisoner swap with U.S.

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Omaha Steve (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: Daily Mail

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. marine Paul Whelan have been released from jail in Russia.

The men were let go as part of a major prisoner swap with Moscow, said to involve around 20 to 30 political prisoners.

Gershkovich, 32, was detained in March 2023 on espionage charges that the United States says are illegitimate. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July.

Whelan, 54, has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018 and was sentenced to 16 years in jail in 2020 on spying charges. The U.S. has denied he was ever involved in espionage operations.

Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13697931/WSJ-reporter-Evan-Gershkovich-ex-Marine-Paul-Whelan-dramatically-RELEASED-Russia-major-prisoner-swap-US.html



This may well be a very positive event for the Biden-Harris administration.
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WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich and Ex-Marine Paul Whelan released by Russia as part of major prisoner swap with U.S. (Original Post) Pototan Aug 2024 OP
I freaking hate to click on right wing rags gab13by13 Aug 2024 #1
Sorry, but I'm not familiar with the Daily Mail Pototan Aug 2024 #2
You can edit your OP, and use a reliable source muriel_volestrangler Aug 2024 #16
I found it on Huffington Post. Mr. Evil Aug 2024 #5
A different source... radical noodle Aug 2024 #3
bloomberg isn't any better than daily mail, tho. Think. Again. Aug 2024 #37
Do you suppose Putin realizes that his boy isn't winning in November? Maeve Aug 2024 #4
That could be PatSeg Aug 2024 #14
Haha, we can only hope LymphocyteLover Aug 2024 #29
He must have watched Trump's performance yesterday and said Bev54 Aug 2024 #45
Here is a CNN article about this since the Daily Mail is a RW tabloid BumRushDaShow Aug 2024 #6
To quote POTUS... SKKY Aug 2024 #7
Thank you President Biden and FalloutShelter Aug 2024 #8
Whelan is from here in Michigan Johnny2X2X Aug 2024 #9
Yes, this should be big news in Michigan Prairie Gates Aug 2024 #13
When the family has spoken Johnny2X2X Aug 2024 #15
I thought they were rightly upset about Griner, too, to be fair Prairie Gates Aug 2024 #18
They were actually gracious with Griner Johnny2X2X Aug 2024 #26
Fair Prairie Gates Aug 2024 #47
i disagree happy feet Aug 2024 #43
I guess Trump's pal, Vlad, double crossed him. :-) Raven Aug 2024 #10
I do think Putin did the calculus Johnny2X2X Aug 2024 #28
I think you're absolutely correct. Do you think Trump is capable of embarrassment? :-) Raven Aug 2024 #35
I told my wife the same thing when I was reading the news during breakfast obamanut2012 Aug 2024 #42
Stephanie Miller said the exact same thing on her show a few minutes ago. Native Aug 2024 #48
I am glad they are free. They won't go back to Russia, will they? twodogsbarking Aug 2024 #11
Gershkovitz is a particularly noxious idiot Prairie Gates Aug 2024 #21
Yep. twodogsbarking Aug 2024 #56
Biden hinted that this was in the works during his Oval Office speech Prairie Gates Aug 2024 #12
Thank you, President Biden. wordstroken Aug 2024 #24
Joe B. and his team are very good. Botany Aug 2024 #17
Awesome news! iluvtennis Aug 2024 #19
Any word on US woman journalist Alsu Kurmasheva? niyad Aug 2024 #20
Per the link she is included in the swap. LisaL Aug 2024 #22
Thank you. Somehow I missed that. niyad Aug 2024 #30
Welcome home guys. Hotler Aug 2024 #23
It is legit. onecaliberal Aug 2024 #25
Ketchup on the walls at Mierda-Lardo this morning? Ocelot II Aug 2024 #27
Which Russian agents in return? usonian Aug 2024 #31
Agent Orange. 👍 Think. Again. Aug 2024 #33
Wow, Paul Whelan too, that's truly good news. Think. Again. Aug 2024 #32
the... myohmy2 Aug 2024 #34
Way to go Joe! You're an awesome statesman! Clouds Passing Aug 2024 #36
Weird timing Farmer-Rick Aug 2024 #38
Maybe he just really wanted that guy back. LisaL Aug 2024 #39
I thought the same thing obamanut2012 Aug 2024 #41
Well, this is interesting -- did Putin see the GOP internal polls? obamanut2012 Aug 2024 #40
Anybody else suspect that Trump will try to take credit for this? Ramsey Barner Aug 2024 #44
In 3, 2, 1..... getagrip_already Aug 2024 #46
Here it is! Ramsey Barner Aug 2024 #53
LOL Skittles Aug 2024 #57
Prisoner exchange gatomedianoche Aug 2024 #49
With the Gitmo prisoners plea deal & this deal I wonder if the President is going to pardon Hunter? Jacson6 Aug 2024 #50
Best news today Roc2020 Aug 2024 #51
Prisoner exchange gatomedianoche Aug 2024 #52
Sounds like Putin has written off Trump as unable to win, otherwise he wouldn't have cut a deal with Biden. SunSeeker Aug 2024 #54
Evan Gershkovich, others to be freed in U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, Turkish government says LetMyPeopleVote Aug 2024 #55
AFTER a review by forum hosts LOCKING Omaha Steve Aug 2024 #58

gab13by13

(26,285 posts)
1. I freaking hate to click on right wing rags
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:04 AM
Aug 2024

I will look for another source.

Pototan

(2,287 posts)
2. Sorry, but I'm not familiar with the Daily Mail
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:08 AM
Aug 2024

I am familiar with this story.

muriel_volestrangler

(102,980 posts)
16. You can edit your OP, and use a reliable source
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:45 AM
Aug 2024

The hosts are not keen on relying on the Daily Mail in LBN - while it may have got this story right, it does have RW tabloid values, and a poor record of accuracy.

Think. Again.

(21,382 posts)
37. bloomberg isn't any better than daily mail, tho.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:10 AM
Aug 2024

Maeve

(43,106 posts)
4. Do you suppose Putin realizes that his boy isn't winning in November?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:31 AM
Aug 2024

And it would behoove him to change tactics?????

PatSeg

(49,840 posts)
14. That could be
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:43 AM
Aug 2024

Nonetheless, it is still rather surprising.

LymphocyteLover

(7,258 posts)
29. Haha, we can only hope
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:58 AM
Aug 2024

Bev54

(11,976 posts)
45. He must have watched Trump's performance yesterday and said
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:41 AM
Aug 2024

"Boris release the prisoners". He is probably being fed campaign polling data from Manafort.

BumRushDaShow

(146,883 posts)
6. Here is a CNN article about this since the Daily Mail is a RW tabloid
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:36 AM
Aug 2024
US and Russia carrying out massive prisoner swap, including a number of Americans

https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/01/politics/russia-us-prisoner-swap/index.html

SKKY

(12,371 posts)
7. To quote POTUS...
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:39 AM
Aug 2024

..."This is a big fucking deal."

FalloutShelter

(13,007 posts)
8. Thank you President Biden and
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:40 AM
Aug 2024

Secretary Blinken.

Johnny2X2X

(22,200 posts)
9. Whelan is from here in Michigan
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:18 AM
Aug 2024

His family has been working non stop for years, they were very critical of the Trump administration who they said wouldn't even take their calls. Biden has worked tirelessly to get this done.

Really hope Biden and/or Harris show up at the airport to welcome these Americans home.

Prairie Gates

(4,002 posts)
13. Yes, this should be big news in Michigan
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:39 AM
Aug 2024

Truly, Trump had two and half years to convince Putin to free Whelan, and did jack fuckall about it. It was disgraceful.

Johnny2X2X

(22,200 posts)
15. When the family has spoken
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:43 AM
Aug 2024

They've been pretty clear that the Trump administration didn't care one bit about Whelan, but of course they had to remain reserved because they didn't want to piss Trump off in case he ever got back in. I hope they are effusive in their praise for Biden/Harris, but I also hope they just let it all out and let Trump have it. Trump didn't care because there was nothing in it for him.

Prairie Gates

(4,002 posts)
18. I thought they were rightly upset about Griner, too, to be fair
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:47 AM
Aug 2024

Whelan's charges were more serious from a Russian perspective, but I could see why they'd be upset that Griner got the attention and swap potential that she did while Whelan sat in prison for yet another year.

Johnny2X2X

(22,200 posts)
26. They were actually gracious with Griner
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:54 AM
Aug 2024

They wanted their guy back, but they didn't blame Biden for getting the deal for Griner that they could get. And Griner has spoken with them several times and been an advocate for Whelan. It was the Cons who were going nuts that Biden got a gay black athlete back, but the Russians weren't willing to give up Whelan for what we offered.

Prairie Gates

(4,002 posts)
47. Fair
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:41 AM
Aug 2024

happy feet

(1,153 posts)
43. i disagree
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:36 AM
Aug 2024

They had no cause to be upset. There are so many factors that go into this prisoner swap --- I trust the administration did what was possible at the time as well as now.

Raven

(14,162 posts)
10. I guess Trump's pal, Vlad, double crossed him. :-)
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:20 AM
Aug 2024

Johnny2X2X

(22,200 posts)
28. I do think Putin did the calculus
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:55 AM
Aug 2024

Trump is going to lose and he better do this deal because Trump giving them Ukraine is off the table.

Raven

(14,162 posts)
35. I think you're absolutely correct. Do you think Trump is capable of embarrassment? :-)
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:09 AM
Aug 2024

obamanut2012

(28,209 posts)
42. I told my wife the same thing when I was reading the news during breakfast
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:36 AM
Aug 2024

Native

(6,874 posts)
48. Stephanie Miller said the exact same thing on her show a few minutes ago.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:42 AM
Aug 2024

twodogsbarking

(12,612 posts)
11. I am glad they are free. They won't go back to Russia, will they?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:36 AM
Aug 2024

Prairie Gates

(4,002 posts)
21. Gershkovitz is a particularly noxious idiot
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:49 AM
Aug 2024

He knew damn well that this could happen and went anyway.

Glad he's out, but he's not acquitted himself well.

Prairie Gates

(4,002 posts)
12. Biden hinted that this was in the works during his Oval Office speech
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:38 AM
Aug 2024

He said he would work on freeing the hostages in Gaza and Americans held prisoner elsewhere in the world. It was obviously a reference to Gershkovic at least, since he had just been sentenced days before.

Bravo, Mr. President and the whole team that worked on this.

wordstroken

(705 posts)
24. Thank you, President Biden.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:52 AM
Aug 2024

Botany

(73,119 posts)
17. Joe B. and his team are very good.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:46 AM
Aug 2024

Best President of my lifetime.

iluvtennis

(21,030 posts)
19. Awesome news!
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:48 AM
Aug 2024

niyad

(122,015 posts)
20. Any word on US woman journalist Alsu Kurmasheva?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:49 AM
Aug 2024

LisaL

(46,990 posts)
22. Per the link she is included in the swap.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:50 AM
Aug 2024

NT

niyad

(122,015 posts)
30. Thank you. Somehow I missed that.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:03 AM
Aug 2024

Hotler

(12,636 posts)
23. Welcome home guys.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:50 AM
Aug 2024
Home cooked meals (hopefully by mom) and sleeping in their own bed.
 

onecaliberal

(36,594 posts)
25. It is legit.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:53 AM
Aug 2024

Ocelot II

(122,793 posts)
27. Ketchup on the walls at Mierda-Lardo this morning?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 08:55 AM
Aug 2024

usonian

(15,696 posts)
31. Which Russian agents in return?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:03 AM
Aug 2024

An orange one?

Think. Again.

(21,382 posts)
33. Agent Orange. 👍
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:07 AM
Aug 2024

Think. Again.

(21,382 posts)
32. Wow, Paul Whelan too, that's truly good news.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:06 AM
Aug 2024

myohmy2

(3,572 posts)
34. the...
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:08 AM
Aug 2024

...Biden Harris administration has succeeded again...

...(we need to spin the shit out of this)...

...

Clouds Passing

(3,522 posts)
36. Way to go Joe! You're an awesome statesman!
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:09 AM
Aug 2024

Farmer-Rick

(11,627 posts)
38. Weird timing
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:21 AM
Aug 2024

What's Putin up to?

Is this a signal that he thinks Pedo Trump will lose?

Trump needs to stay away from windows.

LisaL

(46,990 posts)
39. Maybe he just really wanted that guy back.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:27 AM
Aug 2024

NT

obamanut2012

(28,209 posts)
41. I thought the same thing
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:35 AM
Aug 2024

obamanut2012

(28,209 posts)
40. Well, this is interesting -- did Putin see the GOP internal polls?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:34 AM
Aug 2024

I'm serious. This helps Biden-Harris. Great PR.

Ramsey Barner

(669 posts)
44. Anybody else suspect that Trump will try to take credit for this?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:38 AM
Aug 2024

"I told you I would get Gershkovich released before the election," or something like that?

getagrip_already

(17,624 posts)
46. In 3, 2, 1.....
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:41 AM
Aug 2024

Its a sure thing.

Skittles

(161,633 posts)
57. LOL
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 02:38 PM
Aug 2024

puppet master doesn't want to deal with his puppet......yeah OK

gatomedianoche

(74 posts)
49. Prisoner exchange
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:44 AM
Aug 2024

Anton Gerashchenko @Gersashchenko_en
The largest prisoner exchange of Russian political prisoners and the West since the Cold War may take place on the border between Russia and Poland.

The An-148 airplane with the flight number RA-61727, which had earlier landed in Russia's Kaliningrad, flew back to Moscow.

This plane has already been used in prisoner exchanges between Russia and other countries before.

There are reports that the exchange has/will take place today.

Jacson6

(1,018 posts)
50. With the Gitmo prisoners plea deal & this deal I wonder if the President is going to pardon Hunter?
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:47 AM
Aug 2024

Roc2020

(1,720 posts)
51. Best news today
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 09:59 AM
Aug 2024
kind of nervous who the Russians got in return but that's for another day

gatomedianoche

(74 posts)
52. Prisoner exchange
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 10:00 AM
Aug 2024

Anton Gerashchenko @Gerashchenko_en
Russian Telegram channels report that the prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries in Ankara is complete. It involved 26 people from prisons in the US, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus. As a result of the exchange, 10 people flew to Russia, 13 to Germany and three to the US.

No official confirmation has been made.

SunSeeker

(54,532 posts)
54. Sounds like Putin has written off Trump as unable to win, otherwise he wouldn't have cut a deal with Biden.
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 10:05 AM
Aug 2024

LetMyPeopleVote

(157,750 posts)
55. Evan Gershkovich, others to be freed in U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, Turkish government says
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 10:06 AM
Aug 2024

This was a very complex deal involving multiple countries. It took a world leader like President Biden to pull off this deal



https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/01/russia-us-prisoner-swap/

In the largest prisoner exchange since the height of the Cold War, officials of the United States, Russia, Germany and other countries met on an airfield tarmac in Ankara, Turkey, on Thursday and were swapping at least two dozen people, the Turkish presidency said — capping months of painstaking diplomacy involving negotiations at the highest levels of multiple governments.

Those to be released included American journalist Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal, who was accused of espionage without any known evidence, and Paul Whelan, a former Marine jailed for more than five years after an espionage conviction the United States called baseless, as well as several Russian dissidents who demanded freedom and democracy or criticized the war in Ukraine, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post Opinions contributor.

The prisoners were released from the jails of seven countries: the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus, the Turkish presidential office said, adding that they were brought to Turkey by seven planes, two from the United States and one each from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Russia.

Omaha Steve

(104,311 posts)
58. AFTER a review by forum hosts LOCKING
Thu Aug 1, 2024, 07:27 PM
Aug 2024

Daily Mail is not a suitable source for LBN.

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