Here’s a look at what may have been Russian President Vladimir Putin’s motives in releasing several Western prisoners and Russians who had been jailed in their own country in a major exchange on August 1.
Steve Gutterman is the editor of the Russia/Ukraine/Belarus Desk at RFE/RL. With nearly 20 years of experience living and working in Russia and the former Soviet Union, he specializes in regional interest and world news, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine War, Vladimir Putin, and broader world affairs. Steve's insights and expertise have been featured in Homeland Security News Wire and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.