The United States of America has secured the release of four of its citizens, detained in Russia.
This was made known in a statement on Thursday by US President Joe Biden.
Biden stated that the detainees have been released and are returning home.
“Today, three American citizens and one American green-card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally coming home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza,” Biden said.
According to the White House, the release is part of a larger effort that has resulted in the freedom of 16 people from Russia, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners.
“The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy. All told, we’ve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia-including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country.
“Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over,” the US President added.
President Biden praised the role of international cooperation in securing the release, thanking allies such as Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey for their support.
He further emphasized that his administration remains committed to bringing home all Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage worldwide.
“And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family. My Administration has now brought home over 70 such Americans, many of whom were in captivity since before I took office.
“Still, too many families are suffering and separated from their loved ones, and I have no higher priority as President than bringing those Americans home,” the release read.
The US President reiterated his commitment to supporting families of those still wrongfully detained or held hostage, saying, “We see you, we are with you, and we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong.”