Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, downplayed the prisoner exchange between the Biden administration and Russia.
On August 1, he posted on social media asking, “So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia? How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash?”
He expressed his concern, stating, “Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs? Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps.”
Trump emphasized, “I got back many hostages and gave the opposing Country NOTHING – and never any cash. To do so is a bad precedent for the future.”
Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, also supported his stance. In an interview with CNN, he said, “We have to ask ourselves: Why are they coming home? And I think it’s because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trump’s about to be back in office, so they’re cleaning house.”
During a briefing, Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, clarified that the U.S. did not provide money or ease sanctions as part of the prisoner exchange terms with Russia.
According to the White House, through this agreement with Russia, 16 individuals who were detained in Russia were released, including three American citizens, one permanent resident, five Germans, and seven Russians. In exchange, the West released eight Russian nationals.
Most Commented