Biden: A Prisoner Swap Deal ‘Was a Feat of Diplomacy and Friendship’

EXCERPT:

BIDEN: "And this is a very good afternoon, a very good afternoon. Today, we're bringing home Paul, Evan, Alsu, Vladimir, three American citizens and one American green card holder. All four have been imprisoned unjustly in Russia. Paul, for nearly six years. Vladimir, since 2022. Evan, since March of 2023. And Alsu, since October of 2023. Russian authorities arrested them, convicted them in show trials, and sentenced them to long prison terms with absolutely no legitimate reason whatsoever. None. Paul, a former Marine, was in Russia for a wedding. Evan, a journalist in Russia, was in Russia, assigned by 'The Wall Street Journal.' Alsu, also a journalist, was in Russia to see family. All three falsely accused of being spies. And Vladimir, who is a Russian citizen by birth and holds an American green card, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and was a pallbearer at my friend John McCain's funeral with me. He spoke out against Putin's regime. And for that, he was convicted of treason. And now, their brutal ordeal is over. And they're free. Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They're out of Russia. Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey and soon, they'll be wheels up on their way home to see their families. This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. It's relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who have been praying for this day for a long time. The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship. Friendship. Multiple countries helped get this done. They joined the difficult, complex negotiations at my request. And I personally thank them all again. And I've thanked them personally, and I'll thank them again.”