Russia, US discuss potential prisoner exchange amid ongoing tensions

Russia and the United States have discussed the possibility of conducting another prisoner exchange, according to Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev.

Dmitriev said the talks focused on humanitarian issues, including the potential return of detained Americans, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

A U.S. official confirmed that discussions had taken place and described the U.S. side as receptive, while cautioning that no agreement is imminent. “The U.S. will welcome the release of any detained American,” the official said.

Why it matters
At least eight Americans remain in Russian custody, and securing their release is a priority for President Donald Trump. A swap could serve multiple purposes: while providing relief to detained Americans and their families, it could also offer the Kremlin a diplomatic opening to signal goodwill and build trust with the Trump administration, despite broader tensions over Ukraine.

Behind the scenes
The potential exchange was among the issues Dmitriev raised during his U.S. visit from October 24–26. Dmitriev, who runs Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and has played a prominent role in diplomacy over Ukraine, met with U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff and other administration representatives.

“I met some U.S. officials and members of the Trump team on issues that are humanitarian in nature, such as possible exchanges of prisoners that the U.S. side has been working on,” Dmitriev said. While the discussions were reportedly positive, no formal agreement has yet been reached.

Who could be involved
Neither side has specified which prisoners might be included in a swap. Earlier this year, Russia released Americans Marc Fogel and Ksenia Karelina in similar exchanges. Other high-profile detainees in recent swaps have included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and basketball star Brittney Griner.

The U.S. previously submitted a list of nine Americans they hoped to see returned, eight of whom remain in Russian custody:

• Stephen James Hubbard, 73, captured in Ukraine in 2022 and accused of being a mercenary; the U.S. considers him “wrongfully detained.”

• David Barnes, sentenced to 21 years in prison in 2024 on abuse charges stemming from a custody dispute.

• Robert Gilman, an ex-Marine convicted of assaulting a police officer in 2022.

• Eugene Spector, facing 15 years in prison on bribery and espionage charges.

• Michael Travis Leake and Robert Romanov Woodland, both convicted on drug-related charges.

• Daniel Joseph Schneider, convicted of kidnapping his own son.

• Gordon Black, a U.S. soldier convicted of theft and threatening murder while visiting Russia.

Publication notes that this may not be a comprehensive list, and it is unclear whether these specific individuals were raised during the recent talks.

As diplomatic tensions with Russia continue over Ukraine and other issues, a prisoner exchange could provide a rare avenue for cooperation, demonstrating the complex interplay of humanitarian concerns and international diplomacy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev