Russia-US prisoner swap LIVE: Biden hails relief of returning Evan Gershkovich in historic exchange

US president Joe Biden has described the “relief” he felt as three US citizens and one green card-holder were finally freed from Russian captivity today.

Evan Gershkovich , Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza are among the 16 prisoners freed from Russian captivity, the rest of which will be returning to Europe. In return, Russian murderers and cyber terrorists have been returned to Moscow.

Speaking from the White House alongside the families of the four that had been freed back to the US, Biden said: “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 have been praying for this day for a long time.”

He added that “friendship and diplomacy” had been key to the exchange.

“The deal that made this possible was the feat of diplomacy and friendship. Friendship, multiple countries helped get this done. They joined difficult, complex negotiations at my request, and I personally thank them all again.”