Media: Russia-West prisoner exchange deal involves 24 inmates

A major prisoner swap deal between Russia and Western countries could involve a total of 24 inmates, according to Report, which cites CBS News. The exchange, which includes the United States, Russia, Germany, and three other Western nations, is set to be a significant diplomatic event.

As part of the agreement, Germany is expected to receive at least 12 prisoners currently held in Russia, while eight Russian citizens will be returned to their homeland. Among the Russian nationals anticipated to be included in the swap is Vadim Krasikov, a Russian intelligence officer who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment in Germany for a contract killing on German soil in 2019.

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Evan Gershkovich, the American journalist from The Wall Street Journalwho was convicted of espionage in Russia and sentenced to 16 years in a strict regime penal colony, is set to return to the United States today, August 1, as part of a prisoner exchange.

According to Report, which cites Fox News, the information was received from correspondent Jennifer Griffin, who covers US national security issues.

Gershkovich, 32, had been in Russian custody since March 30, 2023. On July 19, 2024, the Sverdlovsk Regional Court found him guilty of espionage under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code. Prosecutors alleged that Gershkovich, on assignment from the CIA, collected information about the activities of Uralvagonzavod, a Russian company that manufactures and repairs military equipment.