MIT Executes manage major prisoner exchange operation
The National Intelligence Organization of Turkey (MIT) has successfully orchestrated a significant prisoner exchange involving the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus. This operation, facilitated by MIT’s establishment of dialogue channels, marks the largest hostage exchange between these countries in recent years.
According to security sources, the exchange took place in Ankara, with seven planes—one each from the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Russia—transporting 26 individuals to Türkiye. The operation saw the transfer of 10 hostages, including 2 children, to Russia, 13 to Germany, and 3 to the US.
The Most Extensive Hostage Exchange in Recent Years
MIT's role in facilitating the dialogue and organizing the operation has been critical, making it the most comprehensive hostage exchange between the US, Russia, and Germany in recent history. The negotiations, which began in July 2024, brought together parties from the US, Germany, Poland, Norway, Slovenia, Russia, and Belarus in Türkiye.
Among the high-profile individuals exchanged were The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and US Marine Paul Whelan from Russian prisons, German mercenary Rico Krieger from Belarus, Russian dissident Ilya Yashin, and FSB officer Vadim Krasikov from Germany.
The entire operation, from the initial negotiations to the final exchange, was managed by MIT in Ankara. MIT ensured all security measures, logistical arrangements, and necessary requirements were met, maintaining communication and coordination between the parties.
Due to the large number of individuals involved, MIT personnel oversaw the transfer of hostages from the planes to secure locations. After verifying all documentation, conducting health checks, and fulfilling other necessary requirements, the hostages were boarded onto their respective countries' planes with MIT’s approval. The departure of these planes was also conducted under MIT’s supervision.
Ömer Çelik Highlights Diplomatic Success
Ömer Çelik, Deputy Chairman and Spokesperson of the AK Party, highlighted that the exchange, coordinated by MIT in Ankara, demonstrates Turkey’s capacity for negotiation and peace-focused diplomacy. He emphasized that under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, Turkey continues to achieve tangible results through its multilateral and peace-oriented diplomatic efforts, further solidifying its position as a key player in regional and global peace.
