Rogers welcomes release of Americans imprisoned in Russia

On Thursday, the United States and Russian engaged in the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Saks), the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement following the prisoner swap between the U.S., Russia, and U.S. allies. Rogers welcomed the return of the captives but expressed concern that the U.S. had freed some very dangerous individuals to facilitate those releases.

"I am relieved that this ordeal for Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and the other prisoners wrongfully detained by the Putin regime has finally come to an end. However, I am concerned that in return for these innocent people, the Biden-Harris administration has allowed dangerous Russian criminals to go free, including an assassin and an operator of illicit procurement networks for the Russian military," said Chairman Rogers. "Following the trade of Viktor Bout, a dangerous arms dealer, for Brittney Griner, the Biden-Harris administration must explain how they will deter Putin and other American adversaries from exploiting hostage-taking to exact leverage over the United States. Otherwise, there will be many more innocent Americans behind enemy bars."

Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva stepped onto U.S. soil Thursday night at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, There they were greeted by President Joseph Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris. Their freedom followed months of negotiations.

Others released in Thursday's swap include several Russian dissidents whose only misdeed was demanding democracy or criticizing the war in Ukraine. These include Washington Post Opinions contributor Vladimir Kara-Murza. Russia received eight prisoners, including the convicted Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov.

The prisoners have since moved on to San Antionio where they will check in to an Army base to begin their reintegration into society.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com