Russian Dissidents and Western Prisoners Swapped in Cold War-Era Exchange While Medvedev Issues Ominous Threats in Moscow

In a dramatic turn of events, Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President and close ally of Vladimir Putin, has delivered a chilling message to political dissidents recently freed in a major prisoner swap.

This exchange, which included British journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, American reporter Evan Gershkovich, and several Russian citizens, marked one of the largest swaps since the Cold War.

Now serving as the deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, Medvedev implied that those released should remain vigilant.

In a thinly veiled threat, he suggested that the Kremlin’s former prisoners might face ongoing dangers.

His statement, “Let the traitors now feverishly select new names and actively disguise themselves under the witness protection programme,” hints at potential threats from Russia’s security services against the freed individuals.

A Grand Welcome Back

As the swap concluded, several released prisoners, including hitman Vadim Krasikov—who had been convicted of murdering a Chechen fighter in Berlin in 2019—were greeted with a grand ceremony in Russia.

The red carpet was rolled out at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, and President Putin personally welcomed the returnees, showing particular warmth towards Krasikov.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, who had spent years in a Siberian jail under harsh conditions for protesting Putin, expressed profound relief and disbelief at his newfound freedom.

Speaking to his family and President Joe Biden in the Oval Office, Kara-Murza admitted, “I was sure I was going to die in prison.” He had previously warned about Putin’s ruthless nature and the need for Russian society to act against him.

The Dangers of Being Freed

The risks for these dissidents are not unfounded. Historically, even those pardoned or released from Russian detention have faced assassination attempts.

Sergei Skripal, a Russian spy pardoned in 2010, was poisoned by the GRU in 2018. Similarly, Alexander Litvinenko, another Russian defector, was killed in London in 2006 after being poisoned with radioactive polonium-210.

Putin’s Public Relations Strategy

In a move to bolster public support, Putin used the prisoner exchange as a showcase for his regime’s benevolence. The returned prisoners, who included both political activists and convicted criminals, were celebrated as heroes.

Putin’s embrace of Krasikov and his promises of state honors underscore the Kremlin’s efforts to highlight the success of the swap and project a positive image of Russia’s leadership.

TDPel Media

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