Russia and west in historic prisoner swap brokered by Turkey

Media reports that the men detained in Russia on espionage charges are on their way to a location outside Russian borders. "I think that all the enemies should remain there," commented Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

The largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries since the Cold War took place in Ankara on Thursday, according to international agencies. As reported by the Turkish news service Anatolia, the operation involved 24 people from prisons in seven countries and two children.

Turkish intelligence (MIT) coordinated the entire operation. Initially, the Kremlin did not want to comment on the prisoner exchange. Only after the Turkish authorities published official information did Dmitry Peskov speak out.

"I think that all the enemies should remain (abroad- ed.) there, and all those who are not enemies are welcome to return. This is my point of view," he said, as quoted by the Russian news agency TASS.

It was also reported that Vladimir Putin signed decrees pardoning all prisoners who were exchanged for Russians held in the West.

"The decision to sign the decrees was made with the aim of returning citizens of the Russian Federation who were detained and imprisoned on the territory of foreign states," the statement read.

As conveyed by the Kremlin's press service, Vladimir Putin signed decrees pardoning Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Lilia Chanysheva, Ilya Yashin, Xenia Fadeyeva, Andrei Pivovar, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Oleg Orlov, Sasha Skochilenko, Demuri Voronin, Kevin Lick, Patrick Schöbel, Herman Moises, and Vadim Ostanin.