In a remarkable turn of events, three Americans have been freed and returned to the United States after being held in Russia as part of a complex prisoner swap involving multiple countries. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday, welcomed by President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The prisoner exchange, which also involved Germany, Slovenia, Poland, and Norway, was successfully orchestrated, resulting in the release of a total of 16 prisoners by Russia and eight Russians by the Western countries. The exchange took place on the tarmac in Ankara, Turkey, earlier on Thursday, where the prisoners were traded.

Accompanied by family members and State Department personnel, the three freed Americans, along with some other passengers, were transported from Joint Base Andrews to Joint Base San Antonio early Friday. At Brooke Army Medical Center, they will receive evaluations and any necessary medical care.

Paul Whelan, the first to emerge from the plane at Andrews, expressed his disbelief at being free, saying it didn't feel real until they were flying over England. Whelan also shared a lapel pin given to him by President Biden at the Joint Base Andrews welcome.

All three released individuals exchanged warm greetings with the president and vice president on the tarmac before reuniting with their loved ones. Colleagues from the Wall Street Journal also gathered to welcome back Evan Gershkovich, showing their support and relief.

President Biden acknowledged the challenging decisions faced by other countries involved in the swap, particularly Germany and Slovenia, who had to act against their immediate self-interests. Vice President Harris commended President Biden, recognizing his understanding of the power of diplomacy.

In his earlier remarks from the White House, President Biden emphasized the importance of partnerships with allies in securing the release of the prisoners after months of difficult negotiations. He called it an extraordinary testament to the power of diplomacy.

Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich had been wrongfully detained in Russia on spying allegations, fervently denied by their families and the United States. Whelan had not been included in prior prisoner swaps and was lobbying for his release from a remote prison camp, determined not to be forgotten.

The successful return of these Americans marks a significant step towards resolving past disputes and strengthening diplomatic ties. The families of the released individuals express their joy and relief, while the United States celebrates the power of diplomacy in ensuring the freedom of its citizens.