Gershkovich, Whelan among Americans released in massive prisoner swap with Russia

The transcript discusses a significant prisoner exchange involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerskovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, both held in Russia on espionage charges. The exchange, potentially the largest since the Cold War, includes over 20 prisoners from various countries. Speculation arose when Russian prisoners in the U.S. disappeared from the Bureau of Prisons database. Families of the detained express relief, while details of the exchange continue to emerge, including the release of Russian operative Vadim Krasikov by Germany.

What was Alsur Kurmasheva accused of?

What recent event spurred speculation about a possible prisoner exchange?

What concerns do the families of the prisoners have regarding their loved ones?