Gefangenenaustausch zwischen den USA, Russland und anderen Ländern im Gange, sagt hochrangiger Beamter

A prisoner swap was underway between the United States, [Russia](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/vladimir-putin), and other countries on Thursday, according to a [senior Biden administration](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house) official.

The trade is a rare example of cooperation amid heightened political tensions between the U.S. and Russia.

The most high-profile known U.S. prisoners in Russia right now are Wall Street Journal reporter [Evan Gershkovich](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/evan-gershkovich-russia-detained-journalist-biden-courage-ukraine-rcna82131) and former [U.S. Marine Paul Whelan](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/jailed-us-ex-marine-paul-whelan-attacked-russian-prison-brother-says-rcna127134). It is not confirmed if they are part of this swap.