The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Daily: A Giant and Unexpected Prisoner Swap

Aug 2, 2024

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal journalist recently freed in a prisoner swap, joins Paul Whelan, a long-time detainee, along with Washington Post's Shane Harris and technology policy expert Eugenia Lostri. They delve into the intricate motivations behind the swap between the U.S. and Russia, discussing the implications for international relations. The group also reflects on the personal commitment involved in these negotiations and the emotional toll on families, especially with President Biden’s active role in securing the release.

45:01

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Quick takeaways

The recent prisoner swap underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics and personal stakes within the Russian government, particularly regarding Vadim Krasikov.

Evan Gershkovich's case highlights the dangers journalists face in hostile environments, emphasizing the broader implications for press freedom and international diplomacy.

Deep dives

Overview of the Giant Prisoner Swap

A significant prisoner exchange recently occurred, involving the release of 16 individuals by Russia, including political dissidents, spies, and cybercriminals. This event was unexpected, coming shortly after Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was convicted on espionage charges. The podcast highlights key figures involved in the negotiations, attributes the success to the perseverance of U.S. officials, and hints at Vladimir Putin's interest in securing the release of individuals he deemed important, particularly Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin. The circumstances surrounding this swap were viewed as unprecedented, drawing comparisons to historical Cold War exchanges.

Intro

3min

Intricacies of International Prisoner Swaps

20min

The Contrast of Russian Operatives: Aggression and Cybersecurity

3min

Prisoner Swap: Cyber Criminals and Diplomacy

14min

The Personal Touch in Hostage Negotiations

5min

The Emotional Landscape of Hostage Negotiations

3min

On Thursday, Russia released 16 prisoners in exchange for eight prisoners held in Western countries, including the United States. The prisoners released by the Putin regime included several Americans, most notably Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal and two other journalists, and long-time prisoner Paul Whelan. Shane Harris of the Washington Post, who covered the story, and Lawfare's Fellow in Technology Policy and Law Eugenia Lostri, joined Lawfare Editor-in-Chief Benjamin Wittes to discuss the exchange: what the United States got from Russia, what Russia got from Germany and other Western countries, and the personal involvement of President Biden in setting up the trade.

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