WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan are dramatically RELEASED by Russia as part of a major prisoner swap with the US.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan have been released from prison in Russia.

The men were released as part of a major prisoner swap with Moscow, reportedly involving some 20 to 30 political prisoners.

Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in March 2023 on charges of espionage that the United States says is unlawful. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July.

Whelan, 54, has been jailed in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges. The US denies he was ever involved in spying operations.

Earlier this week, Slovenian broadcaster N1 Slovenia raised speculation that a prisoner exchange was imminent.

The reports noted an exchange between the US, Germany, Russia and Belarus.

This is a current story. Check back for updates.