Türkiye brokers historic U.S.-Russia prisoner swap: A diplomatic triumph

The operation in Ankara saw the transfer of 26 prisoners across seven countries, including notable figures such as US journalist Evan Gershkovich and U.S. Marine Paul Whelan

Muslim Network TV News

ANKARA, Turkiye (MNTV) – In a landmark operation orchestrated by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), a significant prisoner swap between Russia and the U.S. took place on Thursday.

Experts say it marks the most extensive prisoner exchange in recent history.

The operation saw the transfer of 26 prisoners across seven countries, including notable figures such as U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

The announcement from MIT highlighted the scale and complexity of the exchange, which was facilitated by the coordination and mediation efforts of Turkish intelligence.

A Russian plane’s arrival in Ankara set the stage for the operation, signaling the beginning of a carefully orchestrated exchange involving the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus.

Details of the Exchange

Prisoners were transported by seven aircraft, reflecting the international scope of the operation. The final tally saw 10 prisoners sent to Russia, 13 to Germany, and three to the United States.

Among the high-profile individuals exchanged were German mercenary Rico Krieger and Russian dissident Ilya Yashin. MIT’s meticulous planning ensured the smooth execution of the transfer, from security measures to logistical arrangements.

A statement issued by Turkiya’s Communication Directorate stated that this prisoner swap underscores Turkish intelligence MIT’s role as a pivotal player in international diplomacy.

The organization’s statement emphasized its major mediation role, describing the operation as the most comprehensive prisoner exchange in recent times.

By employing intelligence diplomacy, MIT established channels of dialogue and negotiation, bringing together parties from diverse geopolitical backgrounds to facilitate the historic swap.

The exchange included individuals who have been the focus of international attention for years. Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive, both convicted of espionage charges deemed baseless by the U.S. government, were part of the swap. Other notable figures included Russian dissident Ilya Yashin and FSB colonel Vadim Krasikov, imprisoned in Germany.

MIT’s operation was comprehensive, encompassing the entire process from initial negotiations to the final exchange. Security and coordination were paramount, with MIT personnel supervising the transfer and ensuring all procedures, including health checks and ratification processes, were meticulously followed. The successful completion of the exchange highlighted MIT’s capability to manage complex international operations.

The statement said this operation is a testament to Türkiye’s commitment to fostering international peace and stability and to employ intelligence diplomacy to resolve conflicts and maintain open channels of dialogue.

The success of this prisoner swap underscores Türkiye’s growing role in global mediation efforts.