Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed 8 spies who were released by 7 countries, primarily the USA, and came back to Russia after a prisoner exchange made between 7 countries, primarily the USA, at the Moscow airport. While the Russian leader was greeting them with flowers, some of the prisoners hugged him and thanked him for making their release possible. Some prisoners could not hold back their tears.

“First of all, I congratulate you all for returning to your homeland. I would like to address our soldiers. On behalf of your homeland, which has not forgotten you, I thank you for remaining loyal to your oaths. You are now home,” the Russian leader said in his speech, also stating that the released prisoners will be rewarded.

The exchange was conducted under the coordination of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization.