US-Russia prisoner swap begins as plane lands in Ankara
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Ten of those released at the Ankara exchange went to Russia, 13 to Germany and three to the US, the broadcaster reported.
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Screengrab from Turkish broadcaster NTV
Turkish broadcaster NTV reported on Thursday that an aircraft transporting Russians for a prisoner swap between Russia and the US has landed in Ankara Airport.
The swap involves 26 inmates, including two minors, and is being managed by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization.
NTV also broadcast footage of the plane on the runway, but it remains unclear if a second US aircraft has landed in Turkey.
BREAKING: Turkish TV channel NTV reports prisoner swap between Russia and US at Ankara airport. Footage allegedly shows exchange taking place. Details emerging. #PrisonerSwap #Russia #US #Ankara pic.twitter.com/HbSdAfBTMZ
— Facts Prime (@factsprime35) August 1, 2024
Ten of those released at the Ankara exchange went to Russia, 13 to Germany and three to the US, the broadcaster reported.
The Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkovich is reported to be among those involved in the exchange. Former US Marine Paul Whelan is also part of the swap.
Read more: Assange declared a free man, boards plane headed to Australia
This comes as the US elections approach, with the Democratic Party working to secure more votes through strategic moves like these.
Vice President Kamala Harris will begin a battleground tour next week, visiting seven swing states from Pennsylvania to Nevada.
The tour is part of her campaign's preparation for a potential run as the Democratic nominee.
Harris has not yet chosen her running mate, but the tour highlights her shift from supporting President Biden to positioning herself for a potential face-off against Republican Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance.
