Biden calls Russia prisoner swap 'feat of diplomacy'

Washington: President Joe Biden hailed the prisoner swap with Russia that saw the return of US journalist Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan on Thursday as a "feat of diplomacy" that has ended their "agony."

"The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy," Biden said, confirming that three US citizens and one permanent resident were among the 16 people freed by Russia, also including five Germans and seven Russians.

"Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over," he said in a statement.