JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland – After spending 491 days in Russian jails, journalist Evan Gershkovich walked over to the press section and embraced his colleagues, marking an emotional moment of reunion and relief.
Biden’s Message to Putin: “Stop”
On the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, the families of newly freed prisoners reunited, sharing joyous embraces. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were present to welcome them. When asked for his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden firmly responded, “Stop.”
Freed Prisoners Reunite with Families at Joint Base Andrews
The families of prisoners recently freed in a swap with Russia reunited on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews. Among them were Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva, who beamed with joy, hugged their loved ones, and posed for photographs upon their arrival.
President Biden and VP Harris Welcome Americans Freed in Prisoner Swap
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the Americans freed in a prisoner swap with Russia, including Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Paul Whelan, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Following their arrival, the freed individuals and their families will be offered a flight to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for post-isolation support at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Also Read: Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan Released in Major US-Russia Prisoner Swap
Freed Americans Land at Joint Base Andrews
A plane carrying freed Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 11:37 p.m. They are among 16 people released from Russian detention in a negotiated deal involving the U.S. and other nations.
Here are the key points from the news article:
- Evan Gershkovich’s Reunion: After 491 days in Russian jails, journalist Evan Gershkovich greeted and hugged his colleagues upon his release.
- Biden’s Message to Putin: On the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, greeted the newly freed prisoners. When asked about his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden responded, “Stop.”
- Family Reunions: Families of the newly freed prisoners, including Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva, reunited on the tarmac, sharing joyous embraces and posing for photographs.
- Welcoming Ceremony: President Biden and VP Harris were present at Joint Base Andrews to welcome the freed Americans from the prisoner swap with Russia.
- Post-Isolation Support: After their arrival, the freed individuals and their families were offered a flight to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for post-isolation support at Brooke Army Medical Center.
- Landing Details: The plane carrying the freed Americans landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 11:37 p.m. They are part of a group of 16 people released from Russian detention through a negotiated deal involving the U.S. and other nations.
