‘I got goosebumps’: Former detained American on prisoner swap

( NewsNation ) — Sarah Krivanek, an American once wrongfully detained in Russia, tells “ NewsNation Live ” she “got goosebumps” while watching 16 prisoners be released from Russia in a prisoner swap Thursday.

Krivanek was arrested in December 2021 and spent almost a year in a Russian penal colony. She was released the same day as wrongfully detained WNBA player Brittney Griner in December 2022.

Krivanek said she is “overwhelmed with joy” at seeing the prisoners, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, be released.

“I started to feel nervous, but in a good way. I’m so excited to hear what they have to say,” Krivanek said. “Their first words and how they feel seeing their families for the first time, I’m excited to hear their reunion story.”

Gershkovich and retired U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were released this week after spending 16 months and over 5 1/2 years, respectively, behind bars in Russia. According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, this prisoner swap involved 26 people and cooperation from Russia, the U.S., Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey.

Krivane, who went to Russia in 2017 to teach English, reflected on her own time in captivity in Russia and her journey after coming home.

“I endured physical violence and sexual violence, so me getting home at first, it was overwhelming,” Krivanek told “NewsNation Live.” “You get to see your loved ones; you actually get to see their faces, hug them, be next to them, but after some time, everything unravels.”

During her time in the penal colony, Kravenik said she did not think she was going to make it home.

“I have children and grandchildren. I didn’t think I was ever going to see them again, and my only prayer was that I could come home and embrace my children and grandchildren,” Krivanek said, “And I got to do that.”

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