Biden calls Russia prisoner swap deal that freed WSJ's Gershkovich, Whelan a 'feat of diplomacy'

President Biden called the prisoner swap deal with Russia Thursday that secured the release of The Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others a "feat of diplomacy."

"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 to see their families," Biden said during an address from the White House. "This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. It's a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who've been praying for this day for a long time."

"The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship. Multiple countries helped get this done," Biden added. "They joined a difficult, complex negotiation at my request. And I personally thank them all again."

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

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The president said earlier in a statement released by the White House 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."

Biden said, "Russian authorities arrested them, convicted them in show trials and sentenced them to long prison terms with absolutely no legitimate reason whatsoever. None."

"Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All