White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan celebrated the release of Americans from Russian prisons while they briefed reporters on Thursday.
The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that two American citizens, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan were both released alongside others in a prisoner swap between Russia and the U.S.
Gershkovich’s release comes after his being imprisoned in Russia for 491 days, as The Wall Street Journal reported.
“As an administration, we are proud to celebrate the return of over 70 such Americans,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan praised President Biden’s leadership during the briefing.
“Today’s exchange is a feat of diplomacy that honestly could only be achieved by a leader like Joe Biden,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan appeared to be on the verge of tears at one point at the briefing while speaking about the efforts to release the hostages.
“Today was a very good day,” Sullivan said. “And we’re gonna build on it, drawing inspiration and continued courage from it for all of those who are held hostage or wrongfully detained around the world.”
Sullivan said later that he “saved his tears for this podium” when asked by a reporter if the news that the exchange was complete had made him feel emotional.
Sullivan also praised his colleagues at the National Security Council, saying that “every American should be proud” of the NSC’s work.
He later said that both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were involved in discussions leading up to the release of the prisoners.
“It is a really good day,” Jean-Pierre said when describing the release of the Americans.
