White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby explained the decision to include a Russian assassin in a recent prisoner exchange, acknowledging the "tough calls" that led to the release of an American journalist and two other political dissidents.
The exchange, described as the largest between the United States and Russia since the Cold War, involved the release of former Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva from Russian prisons. In exchange, Germany freed Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman convicted of a 2019 murder.
US NSC Spokesman Addresses Release of Russian Hitman in Prisoner Swap
Kirby told Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier on "Special Report" that the decision to release Krasikov required "a lot of moral courage" from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He emphasized that negotiations often involve difficult choices, and the president was willing to make the call to secure the release of American and non-American prisoners.
Kirby acknowledged that Krasikov's release has drawn criticism, particularly given his status as a convicted assassin. However, he argued that the balance favored the release of innocent individuals from Russian prisons, even if it meant freeing criminals.
US NSC Spokesman Addresses Release of Russian Hitman in Prisoner Swap
Kirby emphasized that Russia has a history of wrongly detaining Americans and using them as bargaining chips. He urged Americans to avoid traveling to Russia due to the high detention risk.
The NSC spokesman also discussed the case of American teacher Marc Fogel, who was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony for possessing medical marijuana. Kirby said ongoing conversations with the Russians are aimed at securing Fogel's release.
US NSC Spokesman Addresses Release of Russian Hitman in Prisoner Swap
Kirby reaffirmed the White House's commitment to securing the release of all wrongfully detained Americans overseas, regardless of their nationality. He stressed that the administration will continue its efforts to bring Fogel home.
The prisoner exchange has been met with a mix of reactions. Some have praised the administration for securing the release of American prisoners, while others have expressed concern about the inclusion of a Russian assassin. Kirby's comments provide insights into the difficult choices involved in such negotiations.
US NSC Spokesman Addresses Release of Russian Hitman in Prisoner Swap
The swap highlights the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and the challenges faced by the Biden administration in navigating these relationships while prioritizing the safety and well-being of American citizens.
