A top US national security official has stated that the relationship between the United States and Russia continues to be strained following a recent historic prisoner swap. The exchange, which took place on Tuesday, involved three American citizens and one permanent resident.
The official emphasized that Russia's actions, particularly its aggression towards Ukraine, have contributed to the ongoing challenges in the relationship. Despite the prisoner swap, the fundamental differences between the two countries remain unresolved.
During an interview, the official highlighted that the negotiation process for the prisoner swap required extensive verification due to the lack of trust between the two nations. The US government remains committed to bringing Americans home and will not apologize for prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Addressing concerns about potential repercussions of the swap, the official emphasized that the US will continue to take measures to protect Americans abroad, including issuing travel warnings, imposing sanctions on countries that wrongfully detain Americans, and engaging in diplomatic efforts.
Regarding the freed individuals, the official mentioned that they appeared to be in good spirits, although specific details about their conditions were not disclosed.
The official also acknowledged the case of Marc Fogel, an American citizen who remains detained in Russia and was not part of the recent prisoner swap. The US government expressed solidarity with Fogel's family and affirmed its commitment to working towards his release, as well as advocating for the release of other Americans held captive in various countries.
