Why U.S.-Russia prisoner swaps can take years of back-channel negotiations

Another American being held in Russia was released as part of negotiations to free her and two others from Belarus, according to the White House. This comes after the release of American teacher Marc Fogel, who touched down on U.S. soil after being in a Russian prison for nearly four years for possession of marijuana. These negotiations are a diplomatic tightrope, which can often take years of back-channel conversations. Roger Carstens, President Biden's chief hostage negotiator, joins to explain.

Topics

U.S. to send cybercriminal Alexander Vinnik to Russia in prisoner swap

The deal will see Alexander Vinnik returned to Russia in a swap for American teacher Marc Fogel.
CBS News - 10h
Marc Fogel, American teacher held in Russia for 3.5 years, back in U.S. after release

Marc Fogel, an American school teacher, held by Russia for 3 1/2 years, will be released and allowed to come home, the White House said on Tuesday.
NBC News - 1d
Zelensky proposes swap of seized territory with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is proposing an exchange of seized territory with Russia as part of any potential negotiations to end the war. Ukraine holds control of a small pocket of ...
The Hill - 1d
Why is Trump using tariffs and when will they take effect?

Tariffs are a central part of Trump's political vision, but economists warn they could put prices up.
BBC News - 1d
Mookie Betts trade: Five years after franchise-altering swap, how the Red Sox got there and what happened next

After repeatedly failing to agree to a long-term extension, the Red Sox shipped Betts out in February 2020
CBS Sports - 2d
German couple face life in prison for killing Ukrainians to take baby

Yahoo News - 2d
Israel and Hamas complete fifth hostage-prisoner swap

Release of three Israeli hostages and 183 Palestinian prisoners comes as next phase of ceasefire set to begin. Israel and Hamas completed their fifth hostage-prisoner swap under a fragile Gaza ...
The Guardian - 4d
Khamenei of Iran Denounces Negotiation With U.S. but Seems to Leave Door Ajar

Both President Trump and Iranian officials have shown interest in negotiations. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the idea unwise, but stopped short of ordering his government not to engage.
The New York Times - 5d
Why Does Elon Musk Think He Can Treat the U.S. Government Like Twitter?

My latest five-whys looks at Musk’s motivations.
Inc. - 6d

Why U.S.-Russia prisoner swaps can take years of back-channel negotiations

Topics

Related

U.S. to send cybercriminal Alexander Vinnik to Russia in prisoner swap

Marc Fogel, American teacher held in Russia for 3.5 years, back in U.S. after release

Zelensky proposes swap of seized territory with Russia

Why is Trump using tariffs and when will they take effect?

Mookie Betts trade: Five years after franchise-altering swap, how the Red Sox got there and what happened next

German couple face life in prison for killing Ukrainians to take baby

Israel and Hamas complete fifth hostage-prisoner swap

Khamenei of Iran Denounces Negotiation With U.S. but Seems to Leave Door Ajar

Why Does Elon Musk Think He Can Treat the U.S. Government Like Twitter?

More from CBS News

Department of Education in limbo amid Linda McMahon's confirmation hearing

2/12: CBS Evening News Plus

X reaches $10 million settlement with Trump over prior Twitter suspension

John Dickerson on Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration

Doctor says Texas measles outbreak is "a problem of unvaccinated children"

More in Top stories

Audrey Hepburn and Marc Bolan to get blue plaques

Chrystia Freeland on the U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum

The Papers: Putin 'peace talks' and a 'game of no halves'

Justice Dept. Accuses New York of Favoring ‘Illegal Aliens’ Over U.S. Citizens

Official DOGE website updated, promising 'savings' updates by Valentine's Day