Biden's 'Brilliant' Prisoner Swap: A Republican Reflection

Biden’s Prisoner Swap Deal: Diplomacy or Desperation?

President Biden recently praised the prisoner swap deal with Russia, calling it a “feat of diplomacy.” Well, folks, apparently a few phone calls from the Oval Office now pass for diplomatic prowess!

The Oval Office Call

“Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They’re out of Russia. Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey, and soon they’ll be wheels up on their way home,” Biden proudly stated. “This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here.” Now, we’re all happy for the families, but is Biden perhaps overdoing it a bit?

An International Effort

“The deal was a feat of diplomacy and friendship. Multiple countries helped get this done,” Biden added. Who would’ve thought it took a whole village—and maybe a few under-the-table deals—to make it happen?

The Prisoner Exchange

“All told, Russia has released 16 prisoners. Eight Russians who were being held in the West will be sent home. The 16 prisoners from Russia include four Americans, five Germans, seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country,” Biden continued.

Country	Prisoners Released
USA	4
Germany	5
Russia (Political Prisoners)	7
Russia (Returned to Russia)	8

So, let me get this straight—we’re doing a one-for-one swap and then some? We’ve got eight Russians heading back home, and we got not just Americans, but Germans and Russians, too? This isn’t a diplomacy win, this is a clearance sale!

American Prisoners Coming Home

The White House announced earlier that “three American citizens and one American green-card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally coming home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza.” Don’t get me wrong, these Americans don’t deserve to be in Russian prisons. But is giving away the farm the best strategy?

Biden’s Comments

Biden emphasized, “Russian authorities arrested them, convicted them in show trials and sentenced them to long prison terms with absolutely no legitimate reason whatsoever.” You can’t help but nod along here. Those show trials are a mess.

“Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering. Today, their agony is over,” Biden also said. It’s always good to see light at the end of the tunnel.

International Cooperation

He added, “I am grateful to our allies who stood with us throughout tough, complex negotiations to achieve this outcome—including Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey.” It’s important to have friends in this world. Of course, it helps to have friends who’ll cover your back when you stumble.

Future Commitment

And just when you think he’s done, Biden said: “And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family.” Sounds like a campaign promise if I’ve ever heard one.

The Gershkovich Case

Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on March 29, 2023, while reporting in Yekaterinburg and was accused of espionage. The Biden administration declared him “wrongfully detained,” and both The Wall Street Journal and U.S. government denied the charges.

The Whelan Case

Whelan spent years in Russian custody. Fox News learned that Turkish intelligence played a key role in mediating the prisoner swap.

Previous Prisoner Swap

The last time Russia exchanged prisoners with the U.S. was December 2022, for basketball player Brittney Griner, in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner was sentenced to nine years for smuggling cannabis—talk about tough love from the Kremlin.

State Department Response

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Whelan, Gershkovich, and Kurmasheva, telling them he is “happy” they are on their way home.

Historical Context

This swap is the largest since the Cold War. Just an hour before Biden announced dropping out of this year’s presidential race, he urged his Slovenian counterpart to wrap up the deal.

Biden’s Conclusion

Biden concluded with, “It says a lot about the U.S. that we work relentlessly to free Americans who are unjustly held around the world.

It also says a lot about us that this deal includes the release of Russian political prisoners. They stood up for democracy. Their leaders imprison them. The U.S. helped secure their release as well. That’s who we are.”

Final Thoughts

Let’s be honest, this deal is a mixed bag. Yes, we got some Americans back, and that’s fantastic. But it wasn’t exactly a clear win. It feels more like playing checkers when everyone else is playing chess.

As always, folks, remain vigilant and keep an eye on who’s making these big deals behind the scenes. Because one thing’s for sure, you never know what price they’ll slap on “diplomacy” next.

Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich, David Rutz, Brian Flood and Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this report.