Major spy swap in Ankara: The largest exchange since World War II has taken place

A spy swap between the US and Russia was carried out under the coordination of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT).

The exchange took place in Ankara. US and Russian aircraft landed at Esenboğa Airport.

Among the prisoners exchanged is Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

In a statement from MİT, it was said, "An exchange operation will take place today under the coordination of our organization. Our organization has undertaken a major mediation role in this exchange operation, which is the most comprehensive of the recent period."

According to the agreement, a total of 24 people were released.

Eight Russian citizens suspected of having links to Russian intelligence were returned to Russia.

The White House, the State Department, and the CIA participated in the negotiations between Russia and European countries.

The US prisoners to be released are as follows:

- Evan Gershkovich: Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in March 2023 on charges of espionage.

- Paul Whelan: A Marine veteran arrested in December 2018, sentenced to 16 years on espionage charges.

- Alsu Kurmasheva: A Russian-American radio journalist arrested in June 2023 for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian army.

Other prisoners are as follows:

- At least 12 political prisoners held in Russia are expected to be returned to Germany.

- Eight Russian citizens, including those suspected of having links to Russian intelligence, will be returned to Russia.

- Vadim Krasikov, a murderer sentenced to life imprisonment in Germany, is also expected to be part of the exchange.

- Kremlin critic and Washington Post columnist Vladimir Kara-Murza is also expected to be sent to the US.

DETAILS OF THE EXCHANGE

Within the scope of the exchange operation; it was learned that 10 hostages, including 2 children, were transferred to Russia, 13 hostages to Germany, and 3 hostages to the US, transported to Turkey by a total of 7 aircraft, including 2 from the US and one each from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Russia.

The negotiations for the exchange activity to be carried out between Western citizens held in prisons in the US, Germany, Poland, Norway, Slovenia, Russia, and Belarus, and Russian citizens were conducted by MİT.

The exchange included high-profile names such as The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and US Marine Paul Whelan, who were held in prisons in the Russian Federation; German citizen and mercenary Rico Krieger, who was held in a prison in Belarus; Russian opposition figure Ilya Yashin; and FSB officer Vadim Krasikov, who was held in a prison in Germany.

Ankara'da dev casus takası: 2. Dünya Savaşı sonrası en büyük takas gerçekleşiyor https://t.co/e9nrE90qls pic.twitter.com/bfPs4h7hES

— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) August 1, 2024

News Source: 12punto