The significant deal was reached between the West and Russia following months of complex negotiations.
The espionage trial of Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter jailed in Russia, enters its final phase on Friday as the court begins hearing closing arguments.
Mr Gershkovich’s arrest is also being seen as a warning to foreign correspondents still working in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
According to VOA, at least 320 journalists were imprisoned around the world while doing their jobs in 2023 alone.
The FSB, however, admitted Mr Gershkovich had been accredited by its foreign ministry to work as a reporter in Yekaterinburg, Moscow,
