The historic prisoner swap that brought about the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich and 15 others was made possible by a personal promise German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made to US President Joe Biden during a White House visit. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greet reporter Evan Gershkovich at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. In the end, Scholz conceded, based on a warm relationship with the US president that has led the chancellor to describe Biden as a close friend. The Wall Street Journal reporter was being held in Russia on espionage charges — charges that he and the Journal reject. Scholz broke his silence Thursday evening, interrupting his summer vacation to welcome German nationals released as part of the exchange.

Source: Hindustan Times August 02, 2024 07:54 UTC