٠٠:٠٢:٠٩Mandatory credit: The White House
US President Joe Biden shared an emotional moment when the freed US citizens spoke on the phone with their families in the Oval Office on Friday.
Footage shows relatives of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerschkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, political writer Vladimir Kara-Murza and journalist of Radio Free Europe Alsu Kurmasheva talking to their loved ones.
"We just want to say how overwhelmed we are. You've been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we're glad you're home," said Joe Biden addressing the released detainees.
"I just want you to know that you have done a wonderful thing by saving so many people. I think there are 16 of us on the plane. Again, I still can't believe it's happening," shared Kara-Murza while speaking to Biden and his family.
In his social media account Biden as well commented on the virtual reunion of ex-prisoners and their families, saying: "Every parent, child, spouse and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time."
On Thursday, 26 people including 24 adults and two minors were released in the most significant prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War. This exchange saw 16 prisoners held in Russia and 10 detainees, including two minors, in the US, Norway, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia set free.
Tears in Oval Office - Biden, relatives share phone call with freed US citizens following prisoners swap with Russia
US President Joe Biden shared an emotional moment when the freed US citizens spoke on the phone with their families in the Oval Office on Friday.
Footage shows relatives of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerschkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, political writer Vladimir Kara-Murza and journalist of Radio Free Europe Alsu Kurmasheva talking to their loved ones.
"We just want to say how overwhelmed we are. You've been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we're glad you're home," said Joe Biden addressing the released detainees.
"I just want you to know that you have done a wonderful thing by saving so many people. I think there are 16 of us on the plane. Again, I still can't believe it's happening," shared Kara-Murza while speaking to Biden and his family.
In his social media account Biden as well commented on the virtual reunion of ex-prisoners and their families, saying: "Every parent, child, spouse and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time."
On Thursday, 26 people including 24 adults and two minors were released in the most significant prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War. This exchange saw 16 prisoners held in Russia and 10 detainees, including two minors, in the US, Norway, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia set free.
Mandatory credit: The White House
US President Joe Biden shared an emotional moment when the freed US citizens spoke on the phone with their families in the Oval Office on Friday.
Footage shows relatives of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerschkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, political writer Vladimir Kara-Murza and journalist of Radio Free Europe Alsu Kurmasheva talking to their loved ones.
"We just want to say how overwhelmed we are. You've been wrongfully detained for a long time, and we're glad you're home," said Joe Biden addressing the released detainees.
"I just want you to know that you have done a wonderful thing by saving so many people. I think there are 16 of us on the plane. Again, I still can't believe it's happening," shared Kara-Murza while speaking to Biden and his family.
In his social media account Biden as well commented on the virtual reunion of ex-prisoners and their families, saying: "Every parent, child, spouse and loved one who joined me in the Oval Office today has been praying for this day for a long time."
On Thursday, 26 people including 24 adults and two minors were released in the most significant prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War. This exchange saw 16 prisoners held in Russia and 10 detainees, including two minors, in the US, Norway, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia set free.