WASHINGTON D.C. (Michigan News Source) – The Biden administration has reportedly reached an agreement with Russia for a significant prisoner exchange that will secure the release of three American citizens imprisoned in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, according to a senior administration official.

Other prisoners are believed to be part of the deal, although their identities have not yet been disclosed. The exchange is anticipated to occur later today according to CBS News.

Gershkovich, Whelan, and Kurmasheva: A brief overview.

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Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, was detained in March 2023 while on assignment in Yekaterinburg. Charged with espionage, his case drew immediate condemnation from the U.S. government, which deemed him wrongfully detained. In July, Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Russian court, a verdict the U.S. government labeled as a “sham.”

Paul Whelan, a Marine veteran, has been imprisoned since December 2018 when he was arrested during a trip to Russia for a friend’s wedding. Convicted on espionage charges he and his family vehemently deny, Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020. Despite multiple efforts under both the Trump and Biden administrations, Whelan was previously excluded from several prisoner swaps with Russia.

Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual American and Russian citizen, and a female, was detained in June 2023 on charges of spreading false information about the Russian army. Her case, like those of Gershkovich and Whelan, has been a point of contention between the U.S. and Russia.

Official statements and reactions.

The White House, State Department, and CIA have not immediately responded to requests for comment. When asked on Wednesday about the movement of Russian prisoners, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel refrained from speculating on the reasons but emphasized the U.S. commitment to bringing home wrongfully detained American citizens.

Behind the negotiations.

Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, whose office has been integral in the negotiation process, affirmed at the Aspen conference, “I know Evan and Paul will come home to the United States and step onto U.S. soil. I just don’t know when.”

Recent speculation and signs of a possible prisoner swap.

In light of the upcoming exchange, speculation has mounted very recently regarding the whereabouts of Paul Whelan, who reportedly disappeared from his penal colony. Lawyer Olga Karlova, representing Whelan, has been inundated with inquiries about his location amid rumors of the exchange. She has requested information from the colony administration but has yet to receive a response.

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Recent reports have also indicated the movement of several Russian prisoners, including opposition members and anti-war activists, fueling further speculation about the imminent exchange. A Russian government plane, previously used for a prisoner swap, was tracked flying from Moscow to Kaliningrad and back, suggesting preparations for the exchange. Additionally, several Russian government planes have been observed flying to and from regions where political prisoners have been held.

A family’s hope.

David Whelan, Paul’s twin brother, has been expressing frustration over his brother’s prolonged detainment and lack of progress as of late. In a June press release, he criticized the administration’s slow pace and reduced information sharing, urging for more aggressive diplomatic efforts.

Elizabeth Whelan, Paul’s sister, has also been actively advocating for his release, making numerous trips to Washington D.C. to push for stronger diplomatic action.

The road ahead.

As the potential prisoner exchange approaches, the question lingers: will this development finally bring freedom for Gershkovich, Whelan, and Kurmasheva? As their families and supporters persist in their tireless advocacy, America hopes for a swift, successful resolution and a happy ending to this harrowing ordeal.