Americans Gershkovich and Whelan back in US after historic prisoner swap with Russia

Emotional return: They were greeted with tears and embraces by their joyous families at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also on the tarmac to welcome them just before midnight on Thursday. Complicated negotiations: Thursday’s massive swap was the result of complicated behind-the-scenes negotiations involving the US, Russia, Belarus and Germany. The deal ends a nightmare that lasted more than five years for Whelan and more than a year for Gershkovich. …