Episode description

24 prisoners who have been held in six countries have been released in the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War.

The exchange involved 16 detainees from the West - including Americans Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan - and eight who are returning to Russia.

Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford has been in regular contact with some of those who have now been swapped, and gives us her reaction and security correspondent Gordon Corera explains what Russia is getting out of this and how it compares to previous exchanges.

And we hear from Evan Gershkovich’s colleague at the Wall Street Journal, Gráinne McCarthy, about what happens next for the journalist who spent 16 months in Russian custody.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Clare Williamson, with Arsenii Sokolov, Nick Sturdee and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480

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