Both the US and Russian sides have confirmed a successful high level prisoner swap, which indicates that the two sides have been continuing to hold intense dialogue behind the scenes, despite relations hitting a historic low. The Biden White House on Wednesday announced it has secured the release of a former Marine who had been held in Russian prison since 2019.

"Today, we welcome home Trevor Reed and celebrate his return to the family that missed him dearly. Trevor, a former U.S. Marine, is free from Russian detention," President Joe Biden said in a statement of the US citizen now transferred back to American soil. "I heard in the voices of Trevor's parents how much they've worried about his health and missed his presence. And I was delighted to be able to share with them the good news about Trevor's freedom."