Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother Ella Milman after he arrived back in the United States as U.S. President Joe Biden looks on on August 1, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. 📸: @andyharnik@GettyImagesNews
Statement from the Gershkovich family, who are so proud of Evan and Evan can be so proud of them. What a remarkable family, soon to be reunited. #IStandWithEvan
BREAKING: Moments ago @yarotrof and I watched as Evan Gershkovich and the others boarded the U.S. jet at Ankara airport - it’s over, they’re free. They’re coming home.
Today, we celebrate the release of Paul, Evan, Alsu, Vladimir, and others who were unjustly held in Russia. It gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is over and that they will soon be reunited with their families. @POTUS and I will not stop working until every American who is wrongfully detained or held hostage is brought home.
After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families.
It’s Thursday August 1, 2024 AND EVAN IS FREE!!!!
Detained by the Russian FSB Mar 29, 2023, 1 year & 124 days ago, today in a prisoner swap, EVAN HAS BEEN FREED!
JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME!
#IStandwithEvan
The deal that secured the freedom of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir was a feat of diplomacy.
All told, we’ve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia – some of whom were unjustly held for years.
All have endured unimaginable suffering.
Today, their agony is over.
President Biden celebrates the prisoner swap as a "feat of diplomacy." He plans to address the nation on the freeing of Americans detained in Russia.
See the latest updates: https://t.co/0MUXCWwZ1t