- After the prisoner exchange, the released men landed in Cologne
Following a prisoner swap between Russia, Belarus, and Western countries, two planes carrying released individuals have landed at Cologne/Bonn Airport, according to dpa information. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had announced that he would meet with the former detainees late in the evening. The SPD politician had previously interrupted his vacation and also landed at Cologne/Bonn Airport. Among those released are five Germans.
Scholz described the prisoner swap with Russia and its partner Belarus as a difficult decision, especially regarding the release of Vadim K., the so-called Tiergarten murderer who was previously imprisoned in Germany. "No one took this decision lightly, sending a murderer convicted to life imprisonment back after just a few years in prison," he said. The decision was made jointly by the coalition after careful consideration and weighing of the options.
The European Union expressed its support for Germany's involvement in the prisoner swap, commending the German Chancellor's efforts. Subsequent meetings are anticipated between the European Union's foreign policy heads and the released individuals, including the five German nationals.
