The successful mediation carried out by Ankara in facilitating the large scale prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, has demonstrated Türkiye’s trustworthiness to both powers, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. This major exchange that took place in August was the largest since the Cold War era. It saw eight Russian nationals who were previously held captive in the West return home, in exchange for 16 individuals, including two convicted American spies.
Speaking on Monday at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Cairo, Fidan stated, “The exchange operation that took place in Ankara proves that both the US and Russia consider Türkiye a partner that can be trusted.” He further added that the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) had collaborated from the start with its American and Russian counterparts to ensure the successful coordination of this significant event.
The exchange has been hailed by Washington as “a feat of diplomacy”, with the US government expressing gratitude towards Ankara for making it possible. The US also acknowledged the role played by Germany, Poland, Slovenia and Norway in giving up imprisoned Russians for the swap.
As part of this high-profile exchange, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed home the aircraft carrying the returned Russian nationals at Moscow’s Vnukovo-2 airport. Among those released was Vadim Krasikov, an intelligence operative who was convicted in Germany for assassinating a Chechen separatist wanted in Russia on war crime charges.
On the American side, individuals such as Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) employee Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza were secured for release by the exchange. Kara-Murza is a dual citizen of Russia and the UK who also holds an American green card.
As part of this large-scale exchange, all individuals sent to the West from Russia were given pardons as part of the deal. The successful mediation carried out by Ankara underlines Türkiye’s role as a trusted partner for both Moscow and Washington in international diplomacy.