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Putin Hails "Loyal" Russians Freed In Prisoner Swap With US, Biden Thanks Allies, Trump Slams Deal President Vladimir Putin welcomed home Russians freed in the biggest prisoner swap with the US since the end of the cold war. "Now I want to address those of you who are directly involved in military service. I want to thank you for your loyalty to the oath, to your duty and your homeland, which has never forgotten you for a minute. And now you are home. All of you will be nominated for state awards," Putin said. In exchange, Russia freed US reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan in a big prisoner swap deal. The two were among 26 prisoners released in a major swap involving Russia, Belarus and five western countries, Turkey announced. The US, Germany, Slovenia, Poland and Norway freed a total of eight people as part of the deal, including alleged spies, hitmen and hackers. Meanwhile, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed on there was no cash exchanged nor was there any sanctions relief.