CNN reports on Harris’s role in prisoner exchange with Russia

According to the agency, during Harris's visit to the Munich Security Conference in February, her main task was to discuss the release of US citizens who were in Russian prisons.

Journalists noted that during her meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Harris requested a "restricted bilateral meeting." As a result, only one aide remained in the room with the Vice President and the head of the German government.

An unnamed White House representative told CNN that during negotiations in this format, Harris emphasized the critical importance of releasing Vadim Krasikov, who had been sentenced to prison in Germany, in the prisoner exchange with Russia.

The Vice President pressed Scholz to facilitate the exchange of Krasikov. Since then, according to CNN, American officials have acknowledged that the FSB assassin was the "biggest fish" that Russia wanted to get.

During her trip to the Munich Security Conference, Harris also held talks with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.

The American official persuaded the head of the Slovenian government to secure the release of two Russian citizens who were in custody in Slovenia (presumably referring to Artem and Anna Dultsev, who were caught spying for Russia). In the United States' view, their return was one of the top priorities for the Russians.

Meanwhile, as journalists note, a few weeks ago, US President Joe Biden spoke with Golob to finalize the deal.

Background

Today, August 1, a large prisoner exchange between the United States, Germany, and Russia was announced.

A total of 26 people were released. Ten hostages, including two children, were handed over to Russia, 13 hostages to Germany, and three hostages to the United States.

US President Joe Biden stated that this includes WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was sentenced to prison in Russia, and Marine Corps veteran Paul Whelan.