Biden celebrates release of Americans unjustly detained in Russia: ‘Their agony is over’

President Joe Biden on Thursday celebrated the prisoner exchange that freed several U.S. citizens unjustly detained in Russia, including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, saying that “their agony is over.”

“Today, three American citizens and one U.S. green card holder who were wrongfully imprisoned in Russia are finally returning home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza,” Biden said in a statement.

“In total, we have negotiated the release of 16 people in Russia, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country,” he said. “Some of these women and men have been unjustly detained for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over.”

Biden delivered a speech from the White House about the exchange, which officials said he had a direct hand in negotiating. During his speech, he was surrounded by family members of those released.

“It’s an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here,” Biden said. “It’s a relief for friends and colleagues across the country who have been praying for this day for a long time.”

Biden turned to family members and said they “never gave up hope” and that the day was “about allowing families to come together again.”

Biden also thanked the other countries involved in the swap, which is the largest since the Cold War, saying that “the agreement that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship.”

“And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their families. My administration has already brought home more than 70 Americans, many of whom have been in captivity since before I took office,” Biden said in his written statement. “Yet too many families are suffering and separated from their loved ones, and my priority as president is to bring these Americans home.”

“Today, we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families. We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And we reaffirm our commitment to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home, where they belong.”

This is a developing story. Please check back regularly for updates.