WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement:

“I am encouraged by this news. It is great to see Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva, as well as my good friend, Vladimir Kara-Murza, freed. But there are other Americans, including Marc Fogel, and brave Russians, who remain in Russian captivity. They all have demonstrated incredible courage during some of their darkest hours.

“This exchange speaks volumes about what our two countries value. Vladimir Putin is getting back a crew of thugs, murderers, and low-life criminals. The United States is welcoming home journalists, voices for democracy, and former service members.

“I applaud our allies, particularly Germany and Turkey, for their efforts on this deal. Our work is not finished, and I will continue using my voice to bring others home.”

Senator Wicker recently led lawmakers in a bipartisan, bicameral request calling again for the Biden administration to label Vladimir Kara-Murza as “unlawfully and wrongfully detained.” In 2022, Kara-Murza was put in prison after speaking out against President Vladimir Putin. He was later sentenced to 25 years in jail. The designation would have prioritized Kara-Murza’s case at the State Department and unlocked new tools for negotiators to expedite his release.