The prisoners land in the US: Hello boss

  

Here the freed Gershkovich lands on American soil

Give Zangana

Updated 08.10 | Published 05.52

Vice President Kamala Harris welcomes Evan Gerschkovich to American soil. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

The American citizens who were imprisoned in Russia have now landed in the United States.

Among them was journalist Evan Gershkovic.

- This is an incredible day, said Vice President Kamala Harris.

The largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries since the Cold War has been has been carried out.

Among those released are the American journalist Evan Gershkovich and the Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. The US ex-Marine Paul Whelan also landed this morning.

Just before 6 a.m. Swedish time, the former prisoners landed on American soil, at an airport near Washington. Photos from CNN show how they were received by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The prisoners' families were also present.

Journalist Evan Gerschkovich is met by mother Ella Milman at the airport. Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP

"Hello boss"

There were also colleagues on site at the airport.

- Hello boss! Gerchkovic said when he saw his boss from the Wall Street Journal.

He also thanked her for her involvement in the prisoner exchange.

Alsu Kurmasheva is received by President Joe Biden. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Gershkovich, who works for The Wall Street Journal, was arrested in connection with a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg in the spring of 2023.

Without evidence, the Russian authorities claimed that Gershkovich was collecting classified information on behalf of the United States and was recently sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Paul Whelan gets off the plane and is greeted by Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP