WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Thursday released the following statement on the release of American citizens wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

“It is a huge relief that Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Vladimir Kara-Murza and others are on their way home after months, and in some cases years, of unlawful detainment in Russia. Their families have been put through hell for far too long, and I am thrilled they are soon to be reunited with their loved ones. This is a huge diplomatic success for the Biden-Harris administration and the officials who tirelessly led tough negotiations in partnership with Norway, Slovenia, Poland, Germany, and Turkey to make today possible,” said Murphy. 

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