Washington, DC — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on the Biden-Harris Administration’s securing of a multilateral prisoner exchange that has resulted in the release of Americans wrongfully detained in Russia as well as Russian dissidents and democracy activists.

“I am overjoyed by the news that the Biden-Harris Administration, in cooperation with numerous allies and partners, has secured the release of several Americans and permanent residents—including Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alsu Kurmasheva, and others—from their wrongful detention in Russia. Finally, after years of being held hostage as political bargaining chips by the brutal Putin regime, they are on their way home to be reunited with their families where they belong. I am also pleased to see that today’s prisoner releases include multiple Russian dissidents who had been targeted by the Kremlin for their work to support democracy and human rights.

“I am deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone across our government, civil society advocates, and especially the families of those detained for their tireless work and advocacy to make this day a reality.

“Bringing home our loved ones who have been wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad is not a partisan issue—it is an American one. Today’s result is a victory for the United States, and a testament to the painstaking, arduous diplomacy undertaken by the Biden-Harris Administration. The unprecedented, multilateral nature of this deal came together in no small part because of the Administration’s steadfast commitment to restoring America’s alliances and partnerships in the world.

“We must continue to cultivate our diplomatic relationships and leverage all other tools at our disposal to bring every American wrongfully detained abroad home.”

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