Russian President Vladimir Putin met and congratulated eight Russian citizens freed in a massive prisoner swap with the West, footage aired on state television showed.
"I want to congratulate you on your return to your homeland," Putin said at Moscow's Vnukovo airport.
On August 1, 24 prisoners were released, between Russia and 6 Western countries, including Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich.
Addressing the now ex-prisoners who served in the Russian army, he added: "I want to thank you for your loyalty to the oath, the duty and the Motherland, which has not forgotten you." | BGNES
