Watch Live: Biden announces prisoner swap freeing Americans Evan Gershovich and Paul Whelan

Washington — President Biden is addressing the nation Thursday after securing the release of American citizens imprisoned in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

The massive prisoner swap involves 24 prisoners being held in six countries, according to senior administration officials, who described it as the most complex exchange in U.S. and Russian history. The swap took place in Ankara, Turkey. 

The president is scheduled to speak from the White House at noon. He confirmed the deal in a written statement ahead of his address.