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Transcript/ScriptUS-UKRAINE-RUSSIA APRIL 27
HEADLINE: Dramatic Prisoner Swap Despite Strained US-Russia Relations
TEASER: US and Russia swap high-profile prisoners, but the White House's opposition to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has not changed
PUBLISHED AT: 4/27/2022 at 9:10p
BYLINE: Cindy Saine
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SCRIPT EDITORS: Jepsen, Mia Bush
VIDEO SOURCE (S): AP, AFP, Reuters
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TRT: 2:33
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
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((INTRO: ))
[[The United States and Russia have exchanged high-profile prisoners, even amid strained relations over Moscow’s two-month-old invasion of Ukraine. As VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, Russia is holding other wrongfully detained Americans.]]
((NARRATOR))
Trevor Reed is a former U.S. Marine jailed in Russia since 2019 after authorities said he assaulted a police officer when he was detained after a night of heavy drinking. He was later sentenced to nine years in prison. Reed’s family has maintained his innocence and lobbied for his release.
On Wednesday, Russia set him free. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the prisoner swap happened in Turkey.
((Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary))
“First, let me say that it's a huge moment today that speaks to President (Joe) Biden's commitment to bring home Americans held hostage and wrongfully detained around the world.”
((NARRATOR))
In turn, the U.S. released Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot serving a 20-year sentence in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States.
A Russian spokesperson said the swap was the “result of a long negotiation process.”
Psaki made clear the swap does not change U.S. opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
((Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary))
"Look, I think the release of Trevor Reed, him returning home to his family, receiving the health care that he has long needed, does not change our approach or view, opposition or the president's intention to put forward a package in the coming days to help continue to support the Ukrainians.”
((NARRATOR))
Reed is one of several Americans known to be held by Russia, including star professional basketball player Brittney Griner, who was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17th on charges of carrying vape cartridges that contained cannabis oil in her luggage.
Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan was arrested in 2018 and convicted in 2020 on espionage-related charges that his family, U.S. officials and international legal organizations say are false.
((PAUL WHELAN NAT POP))
((Paul Whelan, Former US Marine))
“I am innocent of any charge resulting from this potential kidnapping; no crime has ever occurred …”
((NARRATOR))
The White House says it is doing everything it can to win the release of Paul Whelan and all other wrongfully detained Americans.
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not mention the prisoner swap Wednesday, instead threatening “a lightning-fast response” if any other country intervenes in what he terms a “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Cindy Saine, VOA News
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateApril 27, 2022 22:11 EDT
BylineCindy Saine, VOA News
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
