3 newly freed Americans back on U.S. soil after landmark prisoner exchange with Russia

The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free.

Gershkovich, Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist with dual U.S.-Russia citizenship, arrived on American soil shortly before midnight for a joyful reunion with their families. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also there to greet them and dispense hugs all around.

KTLA's John Fenoglio reports on August 1, 2024.

KTLA 5 News - Keeping Southern Californians informed since 1947.

[Ambientambiencechannel]

They have discovered the cost of rent and are requesting a return trip…

[shem]

THANKS TO TURKEY FOR HELPING IN THIS SWAP DEAL.

[EternityReal]

Prisoner swap put Americans at risk if they’re going to Russia 🤣

[JoseRamirez-oe]

OMG!!😳 How nice!🎉 Their back home safe & healthy.💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝

[trekker]

Media continues to censor. The old man strangely walks onto the plane as if he’s going to take off in it…then head butt’s the girl in another cringe moment.

[Prague]

Why is MAGA so bitter about this news? 🤔

[doriangray]

Did Joe Biden check his watch as they were deplaning?

[xtra_chunky]

Best solution: trade MAGA Republicans like Ron Johnson for Americans still held in Russia.