Ksenia Karelina freed in prisoner swap: Life was going fine for Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina, model and spa worker, till she landed in Russia to visit family last year. She was sentenced to 12 years and sent to a Russian jail after 'pleading guilty' to treason. Her crime? Donating around $52 for a charity that was helping the Ukrainians fighting the Russian invasion of their country. On Thursday night (Apr 10) she landed back in the US as part of a prisoner swap deal, ending her year-long ordeal.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ksenia, a beautiful ballerina held for over a year in Russia is on our 🇺🇸 plane en route home! Thank you&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>! And the A team <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveWitkoff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SteveWitkoff</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CIADirector?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CIADirector</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeWaltz47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeWaltz47</a> 🇺🇸💪 <a href="https://t.co/v5zRLPksBn">https://t.co/v5zRLPksBn</a> <a href="https://t.co/8SaNIGYIoz">pic.twitter.com/8SaNIGYIoz</a>
&mdash; Adam Boehler (@aboehler) <a href="https://twitter.com/aboehler/status/1910310454083092539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote>

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The prisoner exchange was mediated by the United Arab Emirates and took place in Abu Dhabi, where she was exchanged for German-Russian Arthur Petrov.
Karelina arrived in Los Angeles, where she has family, on Thursday night. She was hugged and greeted by family upon her return.
"Today, the United States welcomes the return of American-Russian ballerina Ksenia Karelina who was sentenced by a Russian court to a penal colony for 12 years after authorities discovered she had donated to a Ukrainian charity," &nbsp;National Security Advisor Mike Waltz shared on X.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-exchange-372-pows-in-prisoner-swap-russian-defence-ministry-8870378">Russia and Ukraine swap 372 POWs in latest exchange, defence ministry confirms</a>
"President Trump and his administration continue to work around the clock to ensure Americans detained abroad are returned home to their families," he added.
<h2><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/3112_WION_WDNA_RUSSIA_UKRAINE_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3112_WION_WDNA_RUSSIA_UKRAINE_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=205&amp;tags=Russia, Kyiv, Officials, World News, WION" title="Russia &amp; Ukraine Swap More Than 300 Prisoners Of War" id="PL_iframe_block-m9cif5uj-869sxd99-l3c8qbfs"></iframe></h2>
<h2>The curious case of Ksenia Karelina: Who is she, what happened to her?</h2>
The US had called the case against Karelina "absolutely ludicrous."
Ksenia Karelina is a 32-year-old who had emigrated to the US in 2012 and became a naturalised citizen in 2021.
The Los Angeles based woman was visiting her family in Russia when she was held for "petty hooliganism".&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-did-russias-slush-fund-head-kirill-dmitriev-become-putins-mouthpiece-to-trump-8929564">How did Russia's 'slush fund' head Kirill Dmitriev become Putin's mouthpiece to Trump?</a>
That led to a cascading of events: Russia&rsquo;s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused her of being a US spy. According to FSB, she was 'collecting funds' for a group that was supplying material support to Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;Charged with treason and sentenced to 12 years, Karelina was sent to a Russian penal colony.
<h2>The donation that cost Karelina dearly</h2>
On 20 February 2024, Ksenia Karelina was arrested for 'raising funds for the Ukrainian Army.'
She had sent $51.80 to a non-profit organisation Razom, based in New York, in a single money transfer.
Ranzom has been sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The transfer was made by Karelina on February 24, 2022, the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;
The FSB claimed that the money was being used for buying arms for the Ukrainian forces, a claim rejected by Ranzom.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ukraine-secret-weapon-how-kyiv-washington-planned-operations-against-russia-at-hidden-military-hq-in-germany-8944116">'US-Ukraine Secret Weapon': How Kyiv, Washington planned operations against Russia at 'hidden' military HQ in Germany?</a>
According to Karelina's boyfriend Chris Van Heerden, she had no idea she was in danger before travelling to Russia.&nbsp;
<h2>The trial of Ksenia Karelina</h2>
Arested from Yekaterinburg, a city in the Ural Mountains, in February 2024,&nbsp;Karelina was put to trial on 20 June 2024 and pleaded guilty in August.
Videos at the time showed her being blindfolded, handcuffed and being taken to courts. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-spending-two-days-at-london-high-court-prince-harry-makes-surprise-visit-to-ukraine-8950420">After spending two days at London high court, Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine</a>
The courts of Sverdlovsk and Yekaterinburg sentenced her to 12 years in prison.
Interestingly, Judge Andrei Mineev who ruled against Karelina, had also sentenced American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
<h2>How did Ksenia Karelina escape from Russia?</h2>
Karelina was released by Russia as part of a prisoner deal in exchange for German-Russian citizen Arthur Petrov.
Petrov was held in Cyprus in 2023 &nbsp;at the request of the US over alleged export of sensitive microelectronics. He was then extradited to the US in 2024.
Charges against him included export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud and money laundering.

Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina, model and spa worker,  was sentenced to 12 years for treason. Her crime? Donating around $52 to a charity. World Trending

Ksenia Karelina freed in prisoner swap: Life was going fine for Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina, model and spa worker, till she landed in Russia to visit family last year. She was sentenced to 12 years and sent to a Russian jail after 'pleading guilty' to treason. Her crime? Donating around $52 for a charity that was helping the Ukrainians fighting the Russian invasion of their country. On Thursday night (Apr 10) she landed back in the US as part of a prisoner swap deal, ending her year-long ordeal. Ksenia, a beautiful ballerina held for over a year in Russia is on our 🇺🇸 plane en route home! Thank you @realDonaldTrump! And the A team @SteveWitkoff @SecRubio @CIADirector @MikeWaltz47 🇺🇸💪 https://t.co/v5zRLPksBn pic.twitter.com/8SaNIGYIoz — Adam Boehler (@aboehler) April 10, 2025 The prisoner exchange was mediated by the United Arab Emirates and took place in Abu Dhabi, where she was exchanged for German-Russian Arthur Petrov. Karelina arrived in Los Angeles, where she has family, on Thursday night. She was hugged and greeted by family upon her return. "Today, the United States welcomes the return of American-Russian ballerina Ksenia Karelina who was sentenced by a Russian court to a penal colony for 12 years after authorities discovered she had donated to a Ukrainian charity," National Security Advisor Mike Waltz shared on X. Russia and Ukraine swap 372 POWs in latest exchange, defence ministry confirms "President Trump and his administration continue to work around the clock to ensure Americans detained abroad are returned home to their families," he added. The curious case of Ksenia Karelina: Who is she, what happened to her? The US had called the case against Karelina "absolutely ludicrous." Ksenia Karelina is a 32-year-old who had emigrated to the US in 2012 and became a naturalised citizen in 2021. The Los Angeles based woman was visiting her family in Russia when she was held for "petty hooliganism". How did Russia's 'slush fund' head Kirill Dmitriev become Putin's mouthpiece to Trump? That led to a cascading of events: Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused her of being a US spy. According to FSB, she was 'collecting funds' for a group that was supplying material support to Ukrainian forces. Charged with treason and sentenced to 12 years, Karelina was sent to a Russian penal colony. The donation that cost Karelina dearly On 20 February 2024, Ksenia Karelina was arrested for 'raising funds for the Ukrainian Army.' She had sent $51.80 to a non-profit organisation Razom, based in New York, in a single money transfer. Ranzom has been sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The transfer was made by Karelina on February 24, 2022, the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The FSB claimed that the money was being used for buying arms for the Ukrainian forces, a claim rejected by Ranzom. 'US-Ukraine Secret Weapon': How Kyiv, Washington planned operations against Russia at 'hidden' military HQ in Germany? According to Karelina's boyfriend Chris Van Heerden, she had no idea she was in danger before travelling to Russia. The trial of Ksenia Karelina Arested from Yekaterinburg, a city in the Ural Mountains, in February 2024, Karelina was put to trial on 20 June 2024 and pleaded guilty in August. Videos at the time showed her being blindfolded, handcuffed and being taken to courts. After spending two days at London high court, Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine The courts of Sverdlovsk and Yekaterinburg sentenced her to 12 years in prison. Interestingly, Judge Andrei Mineev who ruled against Karelina, had also sentenced American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. How did Ksenia Karelina escape from Russia? Karelina was released by Russia as part of a prisoner deal in exchange for German-Russian citizen Arthur Petrov. Petrov was held in Cyprus in 2023 at the request of the US over alleged export of sensitive microelectronics. He was then extradited to the US in 2024. Charges against him included export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud and money laundering.

Ordeal of Ksenia Karelina: American ballerina sent to Russian jail for 'treason' is finally free after over a year

United States President Joe Biden's administration has been negotiating with Afghanistan to swap Americans detained in the country for at least one high-profile prisoner held in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Guantanamo+Bay" rel="dofollow">Guantanamo Bay </a>with alleged ties to former Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;
The administration is seeking the return of three Americans seized in 2022, including Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi, in exchange for Muhammad Rahim al-Afghani, according to the report.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-biden-order-release-of-911-terrorists-from-guantanamo-bay-know-the-truth-8598935">Did Biden order release of 9/11 terrorists from Guantanamo Bay? Know the truth</a>
However, neither the US State Department nor the White House responded to a request for comment on the report. Moreover, the Afghan Taliban also did not immediately respond.&nbsp;
Rahim was a senior aide in Al Qaeda, however, others have cast doubt on his role in the organisation, the US government said.&nbsp;
It further suggested that he was a courier and a translator and would not cause any threat to the US if released.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-weighs-using-guantanamo-bay-for-haitian-migrant-influx-699865" rel="dofollow">Also read: Biden administration weighs using Guantanamo Bay for Haitian migrant influx</a>
Meanwhile, the Taliban have acknowledged holding two Americas.&nbsp;
George Glezmann, a former airline mechanic, was taken prisoner in December 2022, while he was touring Afghanistan.&nbsp;
Ryan Corbett, on the contrary, had long lived in Afghanistan with his family, before the fall of the US-backed government. He was on a business trip when he was seized in August 2022.&nbsp;
The Taliban have refused to comment on whether they are holding a third American.&nbsp;
Sean Savett, a National Security Council spokesman, said the Biden administration had negotiated the return of more than 75 Americans held overseas.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-transfers-two-guantanamo-bay-detainees-abdul-rabbani-and-mohammed-rabbani-to-pakistan-565645" rel="dofollow">Also read: US transfers two Guantanamo Bay detainees, Abdul Rabbani and Mohammed Rabbani, to Pakistan</a>
Savett added that the officials were "working around the clock" to ensure the return of Glezmann, Corbett, and Habibi.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The administration will do so throughout the remainder of the term,&rdquo; he added.
Moreover, earlier, the Biden administration made an offer to secure the release of the three men on November 14 last year, according to the Wall Street Journal report.&nbsp;
Notably, the US Defence Department is legally required to notify Congress 30 days before a detainee is released from Guant&aacute;namo.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The administration is seeking return of three Americans seized in 2022, including Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi, in exchange for Muhammad Rahim al-Afghani. 

United States President Joe Biden's administration has been negotiating with Afghanistan to swap Americans detained in the country for at least one high-profile prisoner held in Guantanamo Bay with alleged ties to former Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. The administration is seeking the return of three Americans seized in 2022, including Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi, in exchange for Muhammad Rahim al-Afghani, according to the report. Also read:Did Biden order release of 9/11 terrorists from Guantanamo Bay? Know the truth However, neither the US State Department nor the White House responded to a request for comment on the report. Moreover, the Afghan Taliban also did not immediately respond. Rahim was a senior aide in Al Qaeda, however, others have cast doubt on his role in the organisation, the US government said. It further suggested that he was a courier and a translator and would not cause any threat to the US if released. Also read: Biden administration weighs using Guantanamo Bay for Haitian migrant influx Meanwhile, the Taliban have acknowledged holding two Americas. George Glezmann, a former airline mechanic, was taken prisoner in December 2022, while he was touring Afghanistan. Ryan Corbett, on the contrary, had long lived in Afghanistan with his family, before the fall of the US-backed government. He was on a business trip when he was seized in August 2022. The Taliban have refused to comment on whether they are holding a third American. Sean Savett, a National Security Council spokesman, said the Biden administration had negotiated the return of more than 75 Americans held overseas. Also read: US transfers two Guantanamo Bay detainees, Abdul Rabbani and Mohammed Rabbani, to Pakistan Savett added that the officials were "working around the clock" to ensure the return of Glezmann, Corbett, and Habibi. “The administration will do so throughout the remainder of the term,” he added. Moreover, earlier, the Biden administration made an offer to secure the release of the three men on November 14 last year, according to the Wall Street Journal report. Notably, the US Defence Department is legally required to notify Congress 30 days before a detainee is released from Guantánamo. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden administration in talks with Taliban for release of Americans held in Afghanistan: Report

Russia and Ukraine conducted a major exchange of prisoners on Saturday, 206 in all, in their second such swap in two days, following negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates, officials said.

Russia-Ukraine Prisoner swap : Russia, Ukraine swap 206 prisoners mediated by the UAE

Russia, Ukraine swap 206 prisoners of war in UAE-brokered deal

Amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the two countries exchanged 103 prisoners each in a major swap deal brokered by the UAE. This comes as tensions increase between Moscow and NATO on the issue of long-range strike missiles by Ukraine. In other news,&nbsp;Kolkata police on Saturday said that they had foiled an attack on agitating junior doctors protesting outside Swasthya Bhawan, by "professional criminals" and have detained two individuals.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-exchange-103-prisoners-each-as-tensions-run-high-over-long-range-weapons-758670">Russia, Ukraine exchange 103 prisoners each as tensions run high over long-range weapons</a>

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Russia and Ukraine on Saturday (Sep 14) exchanged 103 prisoners each in a major swap deal brokered by the UAE. Citing the Russian defence ministry, Interfax news agency reported that the soldiers released on Saturday were captured from the Kursk region, as Ukrainian fighters smashed their way into the Russian territory last month.

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Amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the two countries exchanged 103 prisoners each in a major swap deal brokered by the UAE. This comes as tensions increase between Moscow and NATO on the issue of long-range strike missiles by Ukraine.

Amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the two countries exchanged 103 prisoners each in a major swap deal brokered by the UAE. This comes as tensions increase between Moscow and NATO on the issue of long-range strike missiles by Ukraine. In other news, Kolkata police on Saturday said that they had foiled an attack on agitating junior doctors protesting outside Swasthya Bhawan, by "professional criminals" and have detained two individuals. Click on the headlines to read more Russia, Ukraine exchange 103 prisoners each as tensions run high over long-range weapons Russia and Ukraine on Saturday (Sep 14) exchanged 103 prisoners each in a major swap deal brokered by the UAE. Citing the Russian defence ministry, Interfax news agency reported that the soldiers released on Saturday were captured from the Kursk region, as Ukrainian fighters smashed their way into the Russian territory last month. Kolkata horror: Police ‘foil’ attack bid on agitating doctors, victim’s mother sees hope amid impasse Kolkata police claimed Saturday (Sep 14) they had foiled an attack on agitating junior doctors by “professional criminals” and detained two individuals. The medics have been staging a sit-in outside Swasthya Bhavan, West Bengal's health department headquarters, in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. They are demanding justice for the victim, better security at state-run hospitals and removal of top health officials. Indians 'duped' into joining Russian army return home, say were 'treated like slaves' Four Indian citizens, who were duped into joining the Russian army to fight in its war with Ukraine, returned to India on Friday (Sep 13), The Times of India reported. West Asia crisis: 55 rockets fired toward Israel's Safed area, sparking fires Around 55 rockets were fired toward Safed and the surrounding areas on Saturday (Sept 14) morning, Israeli media reported citing the military. There were no reports of injuries in these strikes. PM Modi claims terror ‘breathing last’ in Jammu-Kashmir, Congress issues fact-check Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Sep 14) held a political rally in the northern Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where he declared that terrorism was on its “last breath” in the area. Addressing people from the Doda district, PM Modi vowed to free the state from dynastic politics. Iran says it launched Chamran-1 research satellite, triggering missile concerns Iran on Saturday (Sep 14) blasted a new research satellite into orbit, state media said, in the latest such development for an aerospace programme that has long faced Western criticism. West Bengal: Ragpicker injured in blast; bomb disposal squad probe scene A ragpicker was injured in a blast at the intersection of Blochmann Street and SN Banerjee Road in central Kolkata on Saturday afternoon.The injured man was identified as Bapi Das (58). India: UP CM Yogi says 'Gyanvapi not mosque, but actually Lord Shiva temple' Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday (Sep 14) made a big claim, saying that Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque is actually a 'temple of Lord Shiva' and called it 'Vishwanath'. Asian Champions Trophy Hockey: India beat Pakistan to enter semis unbeaten India men's hockey team beat Pakistan 2-1 on Saturday (Sep 14) in the Asian Champions Trophy. This was India's fifth straight win in the tournament as they entered the semis unbeaten. A total of six teams are participating in the tournament in round-robin format. Ishaan Khatter praises Priyanka Chopra for opening doors to Hollywood for other actors Ishaan Khatter is all hearts for Priyanka Chopra and he believes she has opened the doors of Hollywood for Indian actors. Khatter recently played the role of Shooter Duval in the Netflix series The Perfect Couple.

Top 10 world news: Russia, Ukraine swap prisoners; Kolkata horror updates, and more

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 115 prisoners of war from each side, both countries confirmed, with the United Arab Emirates acting as an intermediary. Watch to know more!

Russia and Ukraine swap 230 prisoners of war, UAE mediates

Russia on Thursday (August 1) released incarcerated Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan as part of a major prisoner swap with the United States, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the situation.&nbsp;

The men were&nbsp;jailed in Russia on espionage charges that they and the US deny.

The prisoners were flown to Turkey's capital Ankara from Russia, the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Belarus under the complex deal, the Turkish presidency said.

"Eight Russian citizens who were detained and imprisoned in a series of NATO countries, were returned home," Russia's state-run news agencies quoted the FSB as saying in a statement.

It added: "The Russians were exchanged for a group of people who were acting in the interests of foreign states to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-evan-gershkovich-the-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-for-espionage-577732">Who is Evan Gershkovich, the US journalist arrested in Russia for espionage</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Russia prisoner exchange: West's side of bargain</h2>

Under the deal, the US and its allies returned prisoners to Russia that they hold, the Bloomberg report added while citing people familiar with the matter. The Kremlin released the dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza as part of the agreement.

An activist with dual Russian-British citizenship, Kara-Murza, 42, campaigned against Vladimir Putin's rule and was sentenced to 25 years in prison in April last year on treason charges.

For months, Washington and other Western capitals were negotiating with Moscow for the release of Gershkovich and Whelan. Both of them have been designated as wrongly detained by the US State Department.

In total, 10 Russians — including two minors — were exchanged for 16 Westerners and Russians imprisoned in Russia, according to a statement released by the Turkish presidency.

This was the first exchange between Russia and the West since star US basketball player Brittney Griner returned home in return for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Thursday (August 1) released incarcerated Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan as part of a major prisoner swap with the United States, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the situation.

Russia on Thursday (August 1) released incarcerated Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan as part of a major prisoner swap with the United States, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the situation. The men were jailed in Russia on espionage charges that they and the US deny. The prisoners were flown to Turkey's capital Ankara from Russia, the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Belarus under the complex deal, the Turkish presidency said. "Eight Russian citizens who were detained and imprisoned in a series of NATO countries, were returned home," Russia's state-run news agencies quoted the FSB as saying in a statement. It added: "The Russians were exchanged for a group of people who were acting in the interests of foreign states to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation." Also read | Who is Evan Gershkovich, the US journalist arrested in Russia for espionage Russia prisoner exchange: West's side of bargain Under the deal, the US and its allies returned prisoners to Russia that they hold, the Bloomberg report added while citing people familiar with the matter. The Kremlin released the dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza as part of the agreement. An activist with dual Russian-British citizenship, Kara-Murza, 42, campaigned against Vladimir Putin's rule and was sentenced to 25 years in prison in April last year on treason charges. For months, Washington and other Western capitals were negotiating with Moscow for the release of Gershkovich and Whelan. Both of them have been designated as wrongly detained by the US State Department. In total, 10 Russians — including two minors — were exchanged for 16 Westerners and Russians imprisoned in Russia, according to a statement released by the Turkish presidency. This was the first exchange between Russia and the West since star US basketball player Brittney Griner returned home in return for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia releases US journalist Evan Gershkovich, ex-marine Paul Whelan in biggest prisoner swap since Cold War

Turkey is coordinating an extensive prisoner swap between Russia and Belarus on one side and the United States, Germany and Slovenia on the other. US reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan are among 26 prisoners released.

US-Russia prisoner swap: Three freed Americans land on US soil | 26 prisoners released in swap

#Gravitas | 26 prisoners from seven different countries were exchanged between Russia and the West. It is touted to be the most significant since the cold war. Marking a monumental diplomatic victory.

Gravitas: Putin gains in biggest Russia-West prisoner exchange since cold war

Russia and the Western countries have exchanged 26 high-profile International prisoners in the biggest swap of its kind after the Cold War. Turkey mediated the landmark exercise. Watch in for more details!

Russia-US prisoner swap: Biden & Harris greet returning Americans in emotional homecoming

Russia-West prisoner swap: Complex negotiations involving multiple countries

US-Russia prisoner swap: 26 prisoners released in landmark exchange at Ankara airport

US-Russia prisoner swap: Spies, a killer, secret messages and diplomacy

US-Russia prisoner swap: Released Americans arrive at Joint base Andrews, 26 prisoners released

US President Joe Biden calls prisoner swap a feat of diplomacy

Complex negotiations spanning over months finally led to a 24-person prisoner swap, one of the largest since the end of the Cold War — among the U.S., Russia, Germany and three other Western countries, on Thursday.

The Biden administration on Thursday announced it had secured the release of three American prisoners in Russia: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. 
 
Gershkovich, Whelan and&nbsp;Kurmasheva, imprisoned by the Kremlin, were exchanged for Russians, including a convicted murderer, held in the US and Europe. In all, eight Russians were released in the swap deal, among which three were&nbsp;being held in U.S. prisons: Vadim Konoshchenok, Vladislav Klyushin and Roman Seleznyov.

Two Russians held in Slovenia, one in Poland and another in Norway are also headed home. They all were known to have suspected ties to Russian intelligence.

The prisoner exchange&nbsp;is said to have taken place on Thursday on a tarmac in Ankara, Turkey.

During a White House briefing with the families of the US citizens incarcerated in Russia, President Joe Biden shared that they had spoken with the recently freed prisoners via phone, that they have left Russia and are heading to the US. He expressed his gratitude to the allies involved in the challenging negotiations.

Watch |&nbsp;Haniyeh Assassination: How did the attack on Hamas leader Haniyeh take place?

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"Now, their brutal ordeal is over," Biden announced. “Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They’re out of Russia,” Biden said.

“The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship,” he said, adding, “Today is a powerful example of why it’s vital to have friends in this world.”

“Our alliances make our people safer,” he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-prisoner-swaps-between-russia-and-the-us-in-recent-decades-746357">Timeline: Prisoner swaps between Russia and the US in recent decades</a>

In his speech, Joe Biden stopped to lead everyone in singing "Happy Birthday" to 13-year-old Miriam, the daughter of journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was freed as part of the exchange.

"Now, she gets to celebrate with her mom. That’s what this is all about, families able to be together again, but they should have been all along," said Biden.&nbsp;

"Thank you again to everyone who did their part. In just a few hours, welcome home, our fellow Americans. We’re looking forward to that, God willing, Thank you. And it’s a good day," Biden added.

The deal is a significant for the Biden administration, which has secured the release of more than 60 hostages or wrongful detainees from around the world over the past three years.

Whelan, who is the longest-held American detainee in Russia, was arrested in December 2018 when he traveled to the country to attend a friend's wedding. He was also charged with espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020.&nbsp;

Gershkovich, 32, was accused of espionage and kept behind bars for more than a year before a three-day trial after which a judge ordered him sent to a penal colony for 16 years. 
 
Kurmasheva, a journalist based in Prague&nbsp;who holds dual Russian and American citizenship, was detained&nbsp;in June 2023, after visiting her mother in May. Russian authorities charged her with disseminating false information about Russia's military.

(With inputs from agencies)

Complex negotiations spanning over months finally led to a 24-person prisoner swap, one of the largest since the end of the Cold War — among the U.S., Russia, Germany and three other Western countries, on Thursday.

Complex negotiations spanning over months finally led to a 24-person prisoner swap, one of the largest since the end of the Cold War — among the U.S., Russia, Germany and three other Western countries, on Thursday. The Biden administration on Thursday announced it had secured the release of three American prisoners in Russia: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva, imprisoned by the Kremlin, were exchanged for Russians, including a convicted murderer, held in the US and Europe. In all, eight Russians were released in the swap deal, among which three were being held in U.S. prisons: Vadim Konoshchenok, Vladislav Klyushin and Roman Seleznyov. Two Russians held in Slovenia, one in Poland and another in Norway are also headed home. They all were known to have suspected ties to Russian intelligence. The prisoner exchange is said to have taken place on Thursday on a tarmac in Ankara, Turkey. During a White House briefing with the families of the US citizens incarcerated in Russia, President Joe Biden shared that they had spoken with the recently freed prisoners via phone, that they have left Russia and are heading to the US. He expressed his gratitude to the allies involved in the challenging negotiations. Watch | Haniyeh Assassination: How did the attack on Hamas leader Haniyeh take place? × "Now, their brutal ordeal is over," Biden announced. “Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They’re out of Russia,” Biden said. “The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship,” he said, adding, “Today is a powerful example of why it’s vital to have friends in this world.” “Our alliances make our people safer,” he said. Also read: Timeline: Prisoner swaps between Russia and the US in recent decades In his speech, Joe Biden stopped to lead everyone in singing "Happy Birthday" to 13-year-old Miriam, the daughter of journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was freed as part of the exchange. "Now, she gets to celebrate with her mom. That’s what this is all about, families able to be together again, but they should have been all along," said Biden. "Thank you again to everyone who did their part. In just a few hours, welcome home, our fellow Americans. We’re looking forward to that, God willing, Thank you. And it’s a good day," Biden added. The deal is a significant for the Biden administration, which has secured the release of more than 60 hostages or wrongful detainees from around the world over the past three years. Whelan, who is the longest-held American detainee in Russia, was arrested in December 2018 when he traveled to the country to attend a friend's wedding. He was also charged with espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020. Gershkovich, 32, was accused of espionage and kept behind bars for more than a year before a three-day trial after which a judge ordered him sent to a penal colony for 16 years. Kurmasheva, a journalist based in Prague who holds dual Russian and American citizenship, was detained in June 2023, after visiting her mother in May. Russian authorities charged her with disseminating false information about Russia's military. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden hails release of Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva from Russia: ‘Brutal ordeal is over’

26 prisoners exchanged between Russia & west

A major prisoner swap between Russia and the West is around the corner, Russia is preparing to free between 20-30 political prisoners and journalists.

Major prisoner exchange between Russia-West, largest swap since end of cold-war

Ukraine and Russia on Wednesday announced their first exchange of prisoners of war in nearly five months, with more than 200 freed by each side after what both said was a complex negotiation involving mediation by the United Arab Emirates.

Russia-Ukraine PoW exchange: Russia, Ukraine conclude 3rd PoW swap in weeks

Iran and Sweden conducted a prisoner swap on Saturday which was mediated by Oman. The swap involved the release of a former Iranian official in exchange for European Union diplomat and Swedish Iranian citizen.

Sweden & Iran exchange prisoners, release mediated by Oman

A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death.&nbsp;

Navalny's family and supporters again claimed that President Vladimir Putin had him killed. The 47-year-old Kremlin critic died on February 16 in an Arctic prison.&nbsp;

He spent more than three years behind bars and his death led to outrage and condemnation from Western leaders and his supporters.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-two-kashmiris-taken-by-fraudulent-recruitment-companies-forced-to-fight-in-russian-army-against-ukraine-694055">Two Kashmiris taken by fraudulent recruitment companies forced to fight for Russian against Ukraine</a>&nbsp;

Navalny's ally Maria Pevchikh said while speaking on YouTube that Putin "was offered to exchange FSB officer and killer Vadim Krasikov, who is serving time for murder in Berlin, for two American citizens and Alexei Navalny".&nbsp;

"Alexei Navalny could be sitting in this seat right now, right today. That's not a figure of speech, it could and should have happened," Pevchikh added.&nbsp;

"I have received confirmation that negotiations were underway and were at the final stage" after two years of talks between Moscow, Washington and Berlin, she said, further adding that "Navalny was supposed to be released in the coming days".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-its-troops-have-advanced-to-better-positions-in-ukraines-avdiivka-and-donetsk-693841">Russia claims its troops have advanced to better positions in Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk</a>&nbsp;

Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison in Germany after being found guilty of the murder of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin in 2019.&nbsp;

In an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin hinted this month that he wanted Krasikov, whom he portrayed as a patriot, returned.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Two years of Russia's attempted invasion of Ukraine

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<h2>The deal was agreed&nbsp;</h2>

A Russian source with knowledge of the discussions told the news agency Reuters separately that the prisoner exchange had been meant to take place in the middle of February and that both Navalny and his wife had agreed to it. The source also said Abramovich had been involved in the talks.&nbsp;

"Initially, the plan envisaged an exchange only involving Gershkovich, and Abramovich had discussed it with Putin. The only person Putin was ready to swap him for was Krasikov. But the Germans were categorically against it, because it was an American problem. When Navalny appeared within this plan, the Germans finally agreed," the source said.&nbsp;

"Everything was finally confirmed when (German Chancellor Olaf) Scholz went to the States (he held White House talks on Feb. 9). The details of when and where all this would happen were already being discussed," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's top spy chief says Navalny died due to blood clot&nbsp;</h2>

Chief of Ukraine’s intelligence Kyrylo Budanov claimed&nbsp;on Sunday (Feb 25) that Navalny died due to a blood clot.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of a panel discussion devoted to the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Budanov said Navalny's death was due to natural causes and "it was more or less confirmed information".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death.

A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death. Navalny's family and supporters again claimed that President Vladimir Putin had him killed. The 47-year-old Kremlin critic died on February 16 in an Arctic prison. He spent more than three years behind bars and his death led to outrage and condemnation from Western leaders and his supporters. Also read: Two Kashmiris taken by fraudulent recruitment companies forced to fight for Russian against Ukraine Navalny's ally Maria Pevchikh said while speaking on YouTube that Putin "was offered to exchange FSB officer and killer Vadim Krasikov, who is serving time for murder in Berlin, for two American citizens and Alexei Navalny". "Alexei Navalny could be sitting in this seat right now, right today. That's not a figure of speech, it could and should have happened," Pevchikh added. "I have received confirmation that negotiations were underway and were at the final stage" after two years of talks between Moscow, Washington and Berlin, she said, further adding that "Navalny was supposed to be released in the coming days". Also read: Russia claims its troops have advanced to better positions in Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison in Germany after being found guilty of the murder of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin in 2019. In an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin hinted this month that he wanted Krasikov, whom he portrayed as a patriot, returned. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Two years of Russia's attempted invasion of Ukraine × The deal was agreed A Russian source with knowledge of the discussions told the news agency Reuters separately that the prisoner exchange had been meant to take place in the middle of February and that both Navalny and his wife had agreed to it. The source also said Abramovich had been involved in the talks. "Initially, the plan envisaged an exchange only involving Gershkovich, and Abramovich had discussed it with Putin. The only person Putin was ready to swap him for was Krasikov. But the Germans were categorically against it, because it was an American problem. When Navalny appeared within this plan, the Germans finally agreed," the source said. "Everything was finally confirmed when (German Chancellor Olaf) Scholz went to the States (he held White House talks on Feb. 9). The details of when and where all this would happen were already being discussed," it added. Ukraine's top spy chief says Navalny died due to blood clot Chief of Ukraine’s intelligence Kyrylo Budanov claimed on Sunday (Feb 25) that Navalny died due to a blood clot. Speaking to media on the sidelines of a panel discussion devoted to the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Budanov said Navalny's death was due to natural causes and "it was more or less confirmed information". (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny was supposed to be ‘released’ in prisoner swap, his ally claims

The swap includes notorious key ally of Nicolas Maduro. Some of the Americans who were freed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in a U.S. prisoner swap have landed at a U.S. military base in San Antonio, Texas, a Reuters witness said.

US-Venezuela prisoner swap: Who is fat Leonard?

Azerbaijan has announced the release of 32 Armenian soldiers as part of prisoner swap deal. Armenia on its part has also handed over two Azerbaijani soldiers.

Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to exchange prisoners of war, takes place in Azerbaijan's border region

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to exchange prisoners of war

In an effort to diffuse a divided political opposition over $6 billion in Iranian monies that were kept in a Qatari account following Hamas's attacks on Israel, top US officials pledged to prevent the money from being moved to Tehran without Washington's approval.

US tells Qatar to deny Iran access to funds

Five Americans detained in Iran arrive in Qatar, released in deal for frozen Iranian assets. US Secretary-General Antony Blinken holds an 'emotional conversation' with the freed hostages.

Iran prisoner swap: Americans freed from Iran land in Qatar

A Qatari jet carrying five American citizens who were detained in Iran has arrived in&nbsp;Doha as part of a prisoner exchange with same number of Iranians&nbsp; on Monday (September 18).&nbsp;

The American citizens who had been detained in Iran, some for nearly a decade, were freed after a controversial prisoner swap involving the unfreezing of at least $6 billion of Iranian money by US President Joe Biden’s administration.&nbsp;

As a part of the deal, Tehran and Washington had agreed to swap five prisoners each.&nbsp;

<h2>American citizens leave Tehran</h2>

A report by Reuters citing a source said that a Qatari plane took off from Tehran carrying the five American detainees and two of their relatives shortly after the US and Iran received confirmation that the funds, blocked in South Korea, had been transferred to accounts in Doha.

The rare deal brokered by Qatar between the two arch-enemies triggered an exchange sequence which was agreed upon after at least a reported eight rounds of talks over several months between Iran and the US as they&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to remain at odds over a number of issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The five Americans with dual nationality are in “good health,” and will fly to Doha and then to the US, said an Iranian official briefed on the process, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>About the detainees</h2>

The five American detainees include well-known conservationist Morad Tahbaz (67), an Iranian-American environmentalist who also holds British citizenship; Siamak Namazi (51), a businessman with dual US-Iranian citizenship; and an Iranian-American businessman, named Emad Sharghi (59).&nbsp;

However, The fourth and fifth prisoners were not identified as they wished to remain anonymous.

Ahead of their arrival, Biden had granted clemency to five Iranians jailed or awaiting trial for non-violent crimes, a US official told AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>Iranian detainees in US</h2>

The five Iranians held in the US are Mehrdad Moin-Ansari, Kambiz Attar-Kashani, Reza Sarhangpour-Kafrani, Amin Hassanzadeh and Kaveh Afrasiabi, according to officials in Tehran. Two of the five Iranians to be released in the exchange had landed in Doha, as per Iranian media reports.&nbsp;

“Mehrdad Moein Ansari and Reza Sarhangpour, who were released in the US-Iran prisoner exchange and were planning to travel to Iran, entered Doha,” reported Tasnim news agency.&nbsp;

Two Iranians released would stay in the US at their request and one detainee would join his family in a third country, said Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.&nbsp;

The $6 billion frozen in South Korea &nbsp;had been generated by Iran&nbsp;through oil sales to Seoul. It was stuck&nbsp;after the US under former president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions as he withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord of 2015.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden sanctions former Iranian president: Report</h2>

A report by AFP citing a senior US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Biden is also imposing new sanctions on Iran’s intelligence ministry and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over alleged deceit over the disappearance of Bob Levinson, a former FBI agent.&nbsp;

“The United States will never give up on Bob Levinson’s case. We call on the Iranian regime to give a full account of what happened to Bob Levinson,” the US official told AFP.&nbsp;

The former FBI agent disappeared in Iran under mysterious circumstances and is presumed dead. According to the report, Levinson had travelled to the Iranian island of Kish on a CIA mission and has not been heard from while Iran has not acknowledged his arrest.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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A Qatari jet carrying five American citizens who were detained in Iran has arrived in Doha as part of a prisoner exchange with same number of Iranians on Monday (September 18).

A Qatari jet carrying five American citizens who were detained in Iran has arrived in Doha as part of a prisoner exchange with same number of Iranians on Monday (September 18). The American citizens who had been detained in Iran, some for nearly a decade, were freed after a controversial prisoner swap involving the unfreezing of at least $6 billion of Iranian money by US President Joe Biden’s administration. As a part of the deal, Tehran and Washington had agreed to swap five prisoners each. American citizens leave Tehran A report by Reuters citing a source said that a Qatari plane took off from Tehran carrying the five American detainees and two of their relatives shortly after the US and Iran received confirmation that the funds, blocked in South Korea, had been transferred to accounts in Doha. The rare deal brokered by Qatar between the two arch-enemies triggered an exchange sequence which was agreed upon after at least a reported eight rounds of talks over several months between Iran and the US as they continue to remain at odds over a number of issues. The five Americans with dual nationality are in “good health,” and will fly to Doha and then to the US, said an Iranian official briefed on the process, as per Reuters. About the detainees The five American detainees include well-known conservationist Morad Tahbaz (67), an Iranian-American environmentalist who also holds British citizenship; Siamak Namazi (51), a businessman with dual US-Iranian citizenship; and an Iranian-American businessman, named Emad Sharghi (59). However, The fourth and fifth prisoners were not identified as they wished to remain anonymous. Ahead of their arrival, Biden had granted clemency to five Iranians jailed or awaiting trial for non-violent crimes, a US official told AFP. Iranian detainees in US The five Iranians held in the US are Mehrdad Moin-Ansari, Kambiz Attar-Kashani, Reza Sarhangpour-Kafrani, Amin Hassanzadeh and Kaveh Afrasiabi, according to officials in Tehran. Two of the five Iranians to be released in the exchange had landed in Doha, as per Iranian media reports. “Mehrdad Moein Ansari and Reza Sarhangpour, who were released in the US-Iran prisoner exchange and were planning to travel to Iran, entered Doha,” reported Tasnim news agency. Two Iranians released would stay in the US at their request and one detainee would join his family in a third country, said Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani. The $6 billion frozen in South Korea had been generated by Iran through oil sales to Seoul. It was stuck after the US under former president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions as he withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord of 2015. Biden sanctions former Iranian president: Report A report by AFP citing a senior US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Biden is also imposing new sanctions on Iran’s intelligence ministry and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over alleged deceit over the disappearance of Bob Levinson, a former FBI agent. “The United States will never give up on Bob Levinson’s case. We call on the Iranian regime to give a full account of what happened to Bob Levinson,” the US official told AFP. The former FBI agent disappeared in Iran under mysterious circumstances and is presumed dead. According to the report, Levinson had travelled to the Iranian island of Kish on a CIA mission and has not been heard from while Iran has not acknowledged his arrest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US and Iran swap prisoners after Qatar-brokered deal unfreezes $6 billion of Iranian oil money

According to officials, an important component of the planned swap, $6 billion that had been blocked in South Korea, reached Qatar on Monday and will be used to exchange prisoners between Iran and the United States. The planned discussion will take place immediately before Ebrahim Raisi, the hardline president of Iran, speaks at the UN General Assembly in New York. The transfer won't, however, mean that tensions between the United States and Iran have decreased because Iran is now enriching uranium more closely than ever to levels suitable for use in weapons.

US-Iran Prisoner Swap: US and Iran to complete $6 billion prisoner swap deal

The US will release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds and has indicated that it would release five Iranian prisoners from American jails. The development came on September 11 when the Biden administration formally notified Congress on the matter, in what was seen as a major sign of plummeting tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, Tehran moved five US citizens from the country's Evin prison to house arrest. This exact step in particular has been interpreted in the Western media as the beginning of an arrangement that Washington expects to eventually configure into formal talks towards Iran's nuclear programme.

<h2>US-Iran prisoner swap: How will it occur?</h2>

These five Americans in Iran may return to the US this month, contingent upon Washington's release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian oil revenue from South Korea, the Financial Times reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-talk-with-mutual-understanding-to-cool-tensions-605322">US, Iran talk with mutual 'understanding' to cool tensions</a>

The announcement on Monday officially confirmed that the deal includes the release of five Iranian prisoners. The identities of these prisoners have not been disclosed as yet.&nbsp;

<h2>US-Iran ties: How is&nbsp;US justifying the latest developments?</h2>

A US State Department official stated, "The US has agreed to permit the transfer of funds from South Korea to restricted accounts in financial institutions in Qatar and the release of five Iranian nationals currently detained in the United States to facilitate the release of five US citizens detained in Iran."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a waiver last week enabling the transfer of funds from South Korea, with a caution that the funds should be used solely for humanitarian purposes.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iran-US prisoner swap: Prisoner from both sides to transit through Qatar

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US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said that this step is part of an effort to secure the release of five unjustly held Americans, and the process remains sensitive and ongoing.

Since former US President Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has been unable to access a substantial portion of its oil funds held by foreign central banks.

But the efforts to address Iran's nuclear programme have gained momentum in recent months.

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The US will release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds and has indicated that it would release five Iranian prisoners from American jails. The development came on September 11 when the Biden administration formally notified Congress on the matter, in what was seen as a major sign of plummeting tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The US will release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds and has indicated that it would release five Iranian prisoners from American jails. The development came on September 11 when the Biden administration formally notified Congress on the matter, in what was seen as a major sign of plummeting tensions between Washington and Tehran. Earlier, Tehran moved five US citizens from the country's Evin prison to house arrest. This exact step in particular has been interpreted in the Western media as the beginning of an arrangement that Washington expects to eventually configure into formal talks towards Iran's nuclear programme. US-Iran prisoner swap: How will it occur? These five Americans in Iran may return to the US this month, contingent upon Washington's release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian oil revenue from South Korea, the Financial Times reported. Also read | US, Iran talk with mutual 'understanding' to cool tensions The announcement on Monday officially confirmed that the deal includes the release of five Iranian prisoners. The identities of these prisoners have not been disclosed as yet. US-Iran ties: How is US justifying the latest developments? A US State Department official stated, "The US has agreed to permit the transfer of funds from South Korea to restricted accounts in financial institutions in Qatar and the release of five Iranian nationals currently detained in the United States to facilitate the release of five US citizens detained in Iran." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a waiver last week enabling the transfer of funds from South Korea, with a caution that the funds should be used solely for humanitarian purposes. Also watch | Iran-US prisoner swap: Prisoner from both sides to transit through Qatar × US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said that this step is part of an effort to secure the release of five unjustly held Americans, and the process remains sensitive and ongoing. Since former US President Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has been unable to access a substantial portion of its oil funds held by foreign central banks. But the efforts to address Iran's nuclear programme have gained momentum in recent months. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US-Iran tensions calming down? Tehran to get back frozen assets worth billions after prisoner swap

After months of negotiations Iran and the US are finally set for a prisoner swap. The swap of five prisoners from each side will take place under the Qatar and Oman mediated deal. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has also confirmed the unfreezing of the Assets in South Korea with six billion dollars.

US-Iran Prisoner Swap: US to maintain oversight of funds released under the deal

Iran, US agreed to release five prisoners each under a deal

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