? Freed prisoners land at Andrews

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Three Americans made a remarkable return to U.S. soil just before midnight after they were freed in a complicated 24-person prisoner swap with Russia.

• Why it matters: The three freed prisoners — Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva — were greeted by President Biden and Vice President Harris in an emotional scene at Joint Base Andrews, in suburban Maryland.

?? There were hugs, handshakes and even squeals of joy as Biden, Harris and family members welcomed them at 11:49 p.m. ET.

• Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, walked up to waiting journalists who asked how it felt to be home. He smiled and replied: "It's not bad."
• Biden gave Whelan the flag pin off his own lapel.

What's next: Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva will be flown to Brooke Army Medical Center near San Antonio, where they'll undergo medical and psychological evaluations.

• Worthy of your time: Inside the Secret Negotiations to Free Evan Gershkovich (Wall Street Journal gift link).

Chart: Erin Davis/Axios

Charted above: The complex seven-country dance needed to complete the biggest U.S.-Russia prisoner swap since the Cold War.

• More pictures.

 

?️ Wall Street Journal history

Today's Wall Street Journal front page.

Evan Gershkovich's long-awaited release from a Russian prison resulted from thousands of hours of advocacy through quiet diplomacy and official channels, Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour told Axios' Sara Fischer. "It's been heartening to see the global news industry come together around Evan," Latour said. "And putting this hugely important topic of press freedom on the map in ways that haven't happened as of late — not on that scale." While parts of the negotiation process are starting to spill out, Latour cautioned that "there will be things that will probably remain unseen and unsaid." Some of those details could be released by Gershkovich himself — who, Latour noted, now has "agency to speak for himself, including his case." ? What's next for Gershkovich: "He can make up his own mind," Latour said. "We will be there along the way to support him." Read the full interview.

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Prisoner swap

 

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva have landed in the US following a historic prisoner exchange between Russia and the West. In an emotional scene Thursday, the returnees were met by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their joyous families on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The agreement involved months of complex negotiations with allies and adversaries alike, involving seven countries and 24 prisoners. The swap also included the release of convicted Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov and other individuals accused of spying or cybercrimes.