Last Thursday night, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his satisfaction with the recent exchange of prisoners between Russia and the West. “I welcome the (…) exchange of unjustly imprisoned citizens of allied states and Russian political prisoners,” Stoltenberg announced via X. He emphasized that “close cooperation between NATO allies has made this achievement possible. The right to peaceful opposition and media freedom are vital to any functioning society.”
The exchange took place at Ankara airport and was facilitated by the Turkish intelligence service (MİT). It involved a total of 26 detainees, including Western nationals and dissidents, as well as individuals accused of espionage and a Russian national who was serving a prison sentence in Germany for the 2019 murder of an exiled Chechen in Berlin.
Von der Leyen: Prisoner Exchange a “Moment of Great Joy”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the exchange as a “moment of great joy” late Thursday night. “I welcome the release of innocent EU and US citizens and integral Russian democrats held captive in Russia,” she stated via X. “The Kremlin exchanged them for convicted criminals and murderers. This shows the absolute difference. This is a moment of great joy for those who fought for their freedom,” she added.
Borrell: EU “Relieved” Over Release of Prisoners by Russia
The European Union expressed its “relief” at the release of prisoners by Moscow in the context of the exchange between Russia and Western states. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, highlighted the EU’s position: “The European Union is relieved about the release and transfer to freedom outside Russia and Belarus of a number of political prisoners, including EU citizens, facilitated by Turkey.” He also called for the release of all remaining political prisoners.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
