President Joe Biden marked the end of a ‘brutal ordeal’ for Americans held in Russia, announcing a complex prisoner exchange. Following the announcement, he led a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for the teen daughter of a freed prisoner.
Join @VP and me as we greet Americans freed from Russia at Joint Base Andrews. https://t.co/0B5iOzYKk0
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024
Biden appeared surprisedly in the State Dining Room at the White House after the deal that freed former Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
Whelan had been detained in Russia since 2018 for what Biden described as ‘no legitimate reason’. The president declared their ordeal over and celebrated their freedom.
Biden joined family members of the freed Americans to announce the intricate swap that released 24 prisoners and involved seven countries.
Biden, unseen publicly since early Tuesday, praised the diplomatic efforts and international cooperation. In a light-hearted moment, he led a ‘Happy Birthday’ song for Miriam Butorin, the 13-year-old daughter of Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty who was also freed.
Tonight is about reuniting families.
Welcome home, Paul, Evan, and Alsu. You’re right where you belong. pic.twitter.com/PIp7ghOs7z
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024
During his remarks, Biden pulled Butorin close and encouraged the attendees to join in singing, calling it a Biden family tradition. He also offered her some light-hearted advice, saying, ‘Remember, no serious guys until you’re 30,’ which drew laughs from the room.
Responding to a question about the release of convicted hitman Vladimir Krasikov, Biden defended the decision. Krasikov was serving a life sentence in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen Georgian national in Berlin. Biden stated, ‘I got home innocent people.’
Biden stood with family members behind him as he read prepared remarks and took questions from the press. The White House noted that he is ‘recalibrating’ his role since he isn’t seeking reelection. He empathised with the families, referencing his late son Beau to illustrate their struggles. ‘Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end,’ he said.
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.
In just a few short hours when our fellow Americans return home, those prayers will be answered. pic.twitter.com/2xglu30HE9
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 2, 2024
The president highlighted that American values were reflected in the push for the release of Russian dissidents. He said these individuals would now be able to work towards promoting democracy in Russia if they chose to do so.
Biden focused on the freed Americans, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, a journalist and Russian-British dissident. He referred to them by their first names and credited the success of the deal to international allies.
The White House swiftly organised the public event and briefed the press on the historic swap. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris planned to greet the returning prisoners at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Biden also posted an image of the freed prisoners, including Gershkovich and Whelan, flying back to the U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan remarked, ‘This was vintage Joe Biden – rallying American allies to save American citizens and Russian freedom fighters.’
