The Extraordinary Flight: A High-Stakes Prisoner Exchange
On a Thursday afternoon, a private jet departed from southwest Germany, carrying an unexpected mix of passengers: police officers, medical professionals, intelligence agents, and a senior advisor to the Chancellor of Germany. Among them was Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian assassin, whose presence added an air of tension to the journey.
Seated at the rear of the aircraft, Krasikov was bound at both hands and feet, his head encased in protective gear. Remarkably, throughout the duration of the flight, he remained silent, not uttering a single word. Meanwhile, another aircraft, this one a Russian government jet, was en route to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, transporting officers from the F.S.B. intelligence agency along with 16 prisoners being released by Russia and Belarus.
In a moment that could only be described as darkly ironic, one of the F.S.B. escorts attempted to lighten the mood with a poorly timed joke directed at two prominent Russian dissidents on board: “Don’t have too much fun out there, because Krasikov could come back for you.” This unsettling comment underscored the gravity of the situation.
This detailed account of the tense hours surrounding the prisoner exchange—significantly the largest swap between Moscow and the West since the Cold War—draws from new information disclosed by Western officials involved in this intricate process. It also includes early testimonies from Russian political prisoners who were released as a result of this complex negotiation.
The exchange ultimately liberated not only Krasikov but also American journalist Evan Gershkovich and 22 others, marking a significant diplomatic achievement. This multifaceted seven-country deal showcased the remarkable capability of some of the world’s most powerful intelligence agencies to collaborate on a mission of mutual interest, even amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the war in Ukraine.
A photograph released by Russian state media depicted the convicted killer Vadim Krasikov, notably positioned at the Moscow airport, wearing a hat and appearing calm despite the circumstances.
