What prisoner swap means for US-Russia ties

Hello. Three US citizens imprisoned in Russia are on their way home as part of the largest prisoner swap between Russia, the US and its allies since the Cold War. Frank Gardner explains the event's significance. As new data on US-Mexico border crossings shows a fifth consecutive monthly drop in numbers, Will Grant meets the Mexican women helping migrants along the journey. We're also collecting the best pictures from the Paris Olympics and, finally, reporting on a turbulence-induced menu change on Korean Air flights.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Biggest prisoner swap since Cold War

The deal has been more than 18 months in the making. Credit: US Government

Sixteen people imprisoned in Russia have been exchanged in a prisoner swap involving eight Russians - including suspected agent Vadim Krasikov - held in the US, Norway, Germany, Poland and Slovenia. US President Joe Biden hailed the "historic" swap as a "feat of diplomacy and friendship".

How does this compare to other US-Russia prisoner swaps?

This is one of the largest and most extraordinary prisoner exchanges in modern history. Extraordinary not just for the large number of individual releases involved, but also the number of countries.

What does this say about relations between Russia and the US and its allies?

The swap is taking place against a backdrop of the worst relations between the West and Russia since the end of the Cold War in 1991. Yet despite the war in Ukraine that has accelerated since Russia’s full scale invasion in 2022, it’s clear that contacts have been maintained between the various intelligence agencies.

What was Turkey's role in the swap?

Ibrahim Kalin, the head of Turkish intelligence, MIT, reportedly met his Russian counterpart in Ankara last week. Turkey, a Nato member, has maintained good relations with Moscow, partly due to the close working relationship between Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

THE BIG PICTURE

Sports meet Paris landmarks at Olympics

The fencing events are taking place at The Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées. Credit: AFP

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony showed that the host city was going to be a core part of the action. Indeed, these pictures attest that the French capital's landmarks provide an enthralling backdrop for the athletes, with more stunning images being captured and added to this round-up every day.

And finally... at 35,000ft

Recent instances of airline passengers being injured by air turbulence have had an unexpected knock-on effect for those who travel with Korean Air. The airline says serving instant noodles carries a risk of burns. So, from 15 August, passengers in economy class will no longer be able to order the speedy meal. However, business and first class fliers will still be able to enjoy this little luxury. Here's why.