NSL4A Statement on the Released Russian Prisoners

Released August 3, 2024

Vice President Harris Demonstrated the Value of Strong International Alliances in Securing the Release of Prisoners

Washington, DC National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) joins all Americans in celebrating the release of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, as well as dissidents Vladimir Kara-Murza, Oleg Orlov, and Ilya Yashin from Russia.

 “NSL4A commends the Biden Administration’s tireless efforts to secure the release of these wrongly detained individuals,” said Retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Smith, Founder and President of NSL4A. In noting Vice President Harris’s key role in securing their release, Smith added, “The Vice President’s leadership in negotiating with leaders of several European countries to finalize the deal demonstrates the vital role of international relationships and alliances. Our nation requires strong leaders who understand the importance of maintaining stable and secure relationships with our allies around the globe.”

In keeping with his narcissistic persona, Donald Trump failed to join his fellow Americans to celebrate. Instead, he focused on himself. In criticizing the deal, Trump made false statements about his own record, exclaiming, “I got back many hostages and gave the opposing country nothing.” As reported on FactCheck.org, nearly every hostage release the Trump administration negotiated provided the opposing country with something. In responding to Donald Trump’s post on Truth Social. Smith stated, “Donald Trump is incapable of offering praise except to himself. He decries the deal and, in true Trump fashion, lies about his own record.”