Peskov made statements to journalists about the exchange operation between Russia and the West carried out under the management of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization in Ankara.
Noting that work was conducted between Russian intelligence FSB and American intelligence CIA, Peskov said, “This work, of course, required very tough negotiations, the formation of very complex agreement chains, and the participation of many countries.”
Peskov mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not release the Americans as a gesture of goodwill but in exchange for the return of their own citizens.
Answering if the exchange was an indication that Russia was ready to make concessions to sign a peace agreement with Ukraine, Peskov emphasized that these were completely different situations.
Spokesperson Peskov said, “If we talk about Ukraine and more complex international issues, this is a completely different topic. There are entirely different principles.”
Commenting on Putin’s reception of the citizens returned to Russia with a red carpet and honor guard, Peskov said, “This is very important. This is a tribute to people who serve their country and, after enduring very tough hardships, have managed to seize the opportunity to return to their homeland thanks to the hard work of many.”
Peskov indicated that efforts to release Russians detained abroad would continue.
“Children learned they were Russian on the plane”
Sharing details about the children of the two Russian intelligence officers included in the exchange, Peskov said that these two children learned they were Russian after the plane took off from Ankara.
Peskov said, “When the children got off the plane, they did not know Russian, so Putin greeted them in Spanish and said ‘Buenas noches’ (Good night). Yesterday, they asked their parents who would greet them. They did not even know who Putin was. That’s how agents work; they make such sacrifices for the sake of their duties and their dedication to their work.”
