German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann has issued a strong advisory against travelling to Russia after a significant prisoner swap last week involving Russia, Belarus, and several Western nations.
“Long ago, Russia became a place where no one is safe,” Buschmann stated in an interview with Stern magazine.
The minister urged people to avoid visiting such an unsafe country unless absolutely necessary.
He expressed his inability to reassure anyone regarding concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin might create more political prisoners.
The exchange, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in Russia releasing 16 individuals, including U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and former marine Paul Whelan, in exchange for several convicted felons like secret service agent and murderer Vadim Krasikov, previously imprisoned in Germany.
The German minister voiced skepticism about Russia adhering to the agreement and highlighted that safety could not be confirmed until the plane carrying the freed prisoners landed in Cologne/Bonn.
He also noted that the Russian FSB often uses poison to harm people either directly or indirectly.
However, he was relieved that, as far as known, the released prisoners were not poisoned before their flight to Germany, where they underwent medical checks.
Australia welcomed the prisoner exchange conducted yesterday between Russia and Belarus on one side, and the United States and other Western countries on the other.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated on her “X” platform page, “Australia welcomes the release of 16 prisoners from Russia, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Oleg Orlov, and Ivan Zhershkovich.”
Three Americans who were freed in a prisoner swap deal with Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, have arrived back on US soil.
