Russia and the United States conducted a major prisoner exchange

On August 1, the largest prisoner exchange in the history of relations between Moscow and Washington took place at Ankara airport: 24 people took part in it at once. The Russian side transfers 16 people to the American side (this group includes US citizens, dual citizens and Russians.) The Americans handed over 8 people to Russia (all of them are citizens of the Russian Federation).

Other countries participated in the deal, including Germany, which extradited Vadim Krasikov to Russia, as well as Belarus, which extradited German Rico Krieger to Germany. Among those released from Russia: Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Willan, as well as well-known Russian oppositionists Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin. According to some reports, the journalist of Radio Liberty Alsu Kurmasheva has also been released.