WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after Russia freed 16 unjustly detained prisoners, including three American citizens and an American green card holder, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement on the historic multinational agreement, involving seven nations, that was made possible by President Joe Biden’s global leadership:

“I join all Americans in welcoming home Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza.  I applaud the determined efforts of President Biden and his skilled team of diplomatic negotiators for achieving this historic breakthrough. 

“For years, and on a bipartisan basis, members of Congress demonstrated great resolve and unwavering commitment to the safe return of these individuals.  This is another example of why global alliances are critical to the safety of all Americans, and why the U.S. is strengthened by our NATO allies, who were instrumental in freeing these prisoners.

“I know that it took painstaking and intense negotiations to return these prisoners to freedom.  The previous administration tried and failed to bring a number of them home.  Joe Biden got the job done, and for that, we are grateful.”