- Crowds outside Cologne airport for prisoner exchange
Following the prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, and several Western countries, people spontaneously gathered outside Cologne Airport, where several freed individuals arrived. Police reported around 80 people present on Friday night, peacefully assembled and supporting the "Russian opposition." They stood by the airport entrance, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz also arrived to welcome the freed individuals.
Anastasia, a participant, said she was involved with the "Free Russia NRW" association. They were supporting the freed individuals. "We wanted to share this joy together," she said about the gathering. She brought cakes, among other things. The participants hoped to see the freed individuals themselves.
Russia and several Western countries freed around two dozen prisoners in a large-scale exchange. This included opposition members and sharp critics of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Thirteen individuals arrived in Cologne.
The police monitored the peaceful gathering to ensure order, as around 80 people supporting the Russian opposition had gathered outside the airport. Upon arrival, Chancellor Scholz was greeted by the police, who escorted him to meet the freed individuals.
