Russia’s Medvedev threatens exchanged prisoners

– They should remember how short their existence is in this world, Medvedev said, calling them traitors and an existential threat to Russia.

Medvedev, who is today head of the country’s National Security Council, advised them to be careful and look over their shoulder when they are out.

Among the political prisoners released and flown to the West last week are Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, Andrey Pivovarov and Oleg Orlov.

In exchange, Russia received several spies and convicted criminals, among them FSB agent and murderer Vadim Krasikov, who was sentenced to life in a German prison for killing a Chechen rebel leader in a park in Berlin.

– Longest straw

Medvedev claimed that Russia drew the longest straw in the exchange agreement, in that the ten who came to Moscow were people who had worked for Russia and were “Russian patriots”.

Those whom Russia sent to the West, on the other hand, were, according to Medvedev, only spies and criminal foreigners, as well as Russians who, he said, “hate the fatherland and want to destroy it”.

Among the 16 released from Russian prisons were American journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan, in addition to the political prisoners.

– It hurts to be deported

Two of the released Russian prisoners, Ilya Yashin and Andrei Pivovarov, expressed their sadness at having to leave Russia in an interview with Reuters on Sunday.

– As people who were actually deported, who were kicked out of the country, we all have a great desire to return, said Pivovarov.

Jashin, who was jailed in 2022 for criticizing the invasion of Ukraine, also says he would prefer to stay at home.

– It is really with great sadness that I was sent out of Russia, despite all the gratitude I feel for those who wanted me well and saved me. But to be honest, my place is in Russia, I have dedicated my life to my country, he said.

– High price

He also said that it is not easy emotionally, because “the price for him to go free was that a murderer who committed a bloody crime was set free,” he said, referring to Krasikov.

– I said many times that I did not want to be part of an exchange. But the Kremlin representatives happily included my name on the list because for them exchanging me is a deportation, he continued.

Both he and Pivovarov made it clear that they will continue their opposition to the regime in Moscow and to the war from abroad.