Largest East-West Prisoner Exchange Since Cold War Includes 26 People
Multi-nation swap at Ankara airport frees American journalist Evan Gershkovich and others in complex diplomatic achievement
Historic Multi-Nation Exchange at Turkish Airport
The largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Western nations since the Cold War took place at Ankara Airport on August 1, 2024, involving 26 individuals from seven countries in a complex diplomatic operation mediated by Turkey.
Key Facts
- Total exchanged: 26 individuals
- Countries involved: 7 nations
- Location: Ankara Airport, Turkey
- Mediator: Turkish intelligence services
High-Profile Releases
Western citizens freed:
- Evan Gershkovich (WSJ journalist)
- Paul Whelan (former US Marine)
- Alsu Kurmasheva (RFE/RL journalist)
- Vladimir Kara-Murza (opposition figure)
Russian Returns
Moscow received:
- Vadim Krasikov (convicted assassin)
- Several intelligence operatives
- Individuals from European prisons
- Cyber crime convicts
Negotiation Complexity
The deal involved:
- 18 months of secret talks
- Multiple country coordination
- Turkish mediation efforts
- Simultaneous transfers
German Key Role
Berlin’s contribution:
- Released Vadim Krasikov
- Overcame domestic opposition
- Enabled broader exchange
- Demonstrated alliance solidarity
US Diplomatic Victory
Washington achieved:
- Long-sought journalist release
- Multiple American citizens freed
- Bipartisan support demonstration
- Major diplomatic success
Russian Calculations
Moscow’s motivations:
- Intelligence asset recovery
- Domestic messaging opportunity
- Diplomatic engagement display
- Prisoner value maximization
Turkish Mediation
Ankara’s role highlighted:
- Regional diplomatic influence
- East-West bridge position
- Intelligence service capabilities
- Neutral venue provision
Logistics Operation
Exchange execution required:
- Simultaneous aircraft arrivals
- Identity verification protocols
- Medical examinations
- Security arrangements
Wider Implications
The swap demonstrated:
- Continued diplomatic channels
- Humanitarian cooperation possibility
- Intelligence service contacts
- Complex negotiation feasibility
Ukraine Connection
Exchange occurred amid:
- Ongoing military conflict
- Separate POW exchanges
- Broader diplomatic freeze
- Limited cooperation areas
Future Precedent
The operation established:
- Framework for future swaps
- Multi-party negotiation model
- Third-party mediation value
- Humanitarian exception patterns
The Ankara exchange represented rare East-West cooperation amid broader confrontation, demonstrating that limited diplomatic engagement remained possible even during active conflict.