The two men were on their way back to the U.S., officials said.
Release 'uniquely challenging'
Sullivan mentioned that securing the release of the Americans was 'uniquely challenging' due to strained U.S.-Russia relations amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Negotiations required extensive diplomatic engagement, especially with Germany.
Biden's role and US-Russia relations
A senior administration official stated that President Biden was actively working to secure the release, demonstrating significant engagement in diplomacy. However, they caution against interpreting this exchange as a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations.
Prisoners handed over by US
The three prisoners handed over by the U.S. included Roman Seleznev, Vladislav Klyushin, and Vadim Konoshchenock. Seleznev was convicted for cyber crimes, Klyushin for insider trading, and Konoshchenock was accused of arms smuggling.
