Economist Podcasts Tense exchange: Russia’s prisoner swap
13 snips
Aug 2, 2024 
Oliver Carroll, The Economist's correspondent in Ukraine, offers a gripping look at the historic prisoner exchange between Russia and the West, shedding light on its emotional and political ramifications. He discusses key figures like Paul Whelan and Alexei Navalny, as well as the diplomatic complexities behind the swap. Additionally, the conversation touches on the U.S. military's strategic updates in the Asia-Pacific and the peculiar tradition of swan upping, bringing a unique blend of serious geopolitics and charming royal heritage.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cold War-Style Exchange
- The largest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War involved planes from six countries flying into a neutral country.
- Passengers, including dissidents, spies, journalists, and others, were traded and boarded jets bound for home.
Breakdown of the Exchange
- The prisoner exchange involved 24 people, with 16 going West and 8 returning to Russia.
- Among those released were US citizens, journalists, Russian opposition figures, and the youngest and oldest prisoners held.
Putin's Priority
- Putin prioritizes retrieving spies and scoundrels, exemplified by Vadim Krasikov, an FSB colonel jailed in Germany for murder.
- This demonstrates to his intelligence services that he will fight for them, which aids recruitment.