The other two people who arrived in the US are former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

This was the largest prison swapping that took place between Russia and the US ever since the Cold War.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were present on the tarmac to welcome them at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Biden said: "This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here.  And it’s a relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who’ve been praying for this day for a long time."

He further said: " The deal that made this possible was a feat of diplomacy and friendship — friendship.  Multiple countries helped get this done."

Vice President Kamala Harris said: "In spite of all of their suffering, it gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is finally over."

Sixteen people were released from Russian custody on Thursday, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Moscow in return got former high-ranking FSB colonel Vadim Krasikov, as well as several individuals accused of spying or cybercrime, reported CNN.

The prison-swapping move was a major initiative and diplomatic achievement during Biden's tenure as president.

Biden, having announced he will not run for the presidential race for the second term, is serving the last six months in the top office.

Tension between the West and Russia has been high even since the conflict with Ukraine began in 2022.