Former US journalists mark two years after Russian prisoner swap

Two years ago a broad prisoner exchange freed a group that included former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Russian‑American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara‑Murza. The release was celebrated with family reunions, but the former detainees say returning to everyday life has been challenging.

Whelan described the simple pleasure of mowing his lawn and watching the night sky – activities he could not enjoy while confined for more than five years. Kurmasheva spoke of the difficulty of catching up on world events after months of isolation, noting a lingering “fear of missing out” and the need to re‑learn basic routines. Both say they are now helping families of those still held in Russia while adjusting to normalcy.

The anniversary highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals in Russian custody and the diplomatic efforts required to secure their release.