2024-08-02 23:07:51
The plane carrying Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsa Kurmasheva landed at Andrews Joint Air Force Base near Washington around 11:40 p.m., after Washington and Moscow struck a deal to swap mountains. local (Friday around 5:40 a.m. Lithuanian) time.
US President Joe Biden and Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris awaited and greeted them there.
All three Americans who returned to the US soil were greeted by family members and friends who were waiting for them, they hugged Mr. Biden and K. Harris when they got off the plane.
White House video shows Whelan being the first to get off the plane after the nine-hour flight from Ankara, followed by Gershkovich and Kurmasheva.
“It’s an extraordinary day,” Harris said shortly after their arrival.
“I’m grateful to our president for what he’s done throughout his career, but especially for what he’s been able to do for these families and these people (…) to bring allies together on many issues, but especially this one,” K said. . Harris.
“It’s just a tremendous testament to how important it is to have a president who understands the power of diplomacy,” she added.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the released Russians at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz greeted 13 released prisoners at Cologne/Bonn Airport.
2024-08-02 23:07:51