A former US Marine and a Russian-American journalist have returned to the United States in a historic prisoner exchange between Russia and the West. The emotional homecoming took place at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were present to welcome the returnees.
The atmosphere on the tarmac was filled with tears and embraces as the families of the returnees expressed their joy at being reunited. The relief and happiness were palpable as the plane touched down about 20 minutes before midnight on Thursday.
The former US Marine was the first to exit the plane, offering a salute before shaking hands with President Biden and Vice President Harris. The Russian-American journalist followed suit, embracing both leaders before sharing an emotional moment with their ecstatic parents.
Addressing the media gathered at the tarmac, the returnee expressed gratitude and relief, stating, 'I'm home,' bringing an end to over a year of uncertainty and separation. The American journalist rushed into the arms of her husband and daughters, marking a long-awaited family reunion.
President Biden observed the heartwarming reunions and, in a symbolic gesture, removed his pin and placed it on the lapel of one of the returnees, as Vice President Harris looked on.
