Turkish Intelligence Involved in Prisoner Exchange between the USA and Russia - Media.

The National Intelligence Organization of Turkey (MIT) is behind the biggest prisoner exchange between the USA and Russia since the Cold War.

This was reported by Daily Sabah.

According to security sources, the prisoner exchange between the USA and Russia in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on August 1, was the result of comprehensive preparation, including two meetings between representatives of the involved countries two months prior to this date in Istanbul and Ankara.

Sources add that US President Joe Biden expressed a desire to observe the operation live, and Turkey agreed, rescheduling it to 21:00 Turkish Time, which corresponds to 10:00 AM in Washington.

Biden immediately called his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan after first contact with the released prisoners.

Interlocutors reported that both the USA and Russia wanted this exchange to take place in Turkey, which is explained by their trust in the country due to reliable work.

Turkey also assured the USA and Russia that the announcement of the exchange would not be made public until both countries confirmed it.

It is noted that the Esenboga International Airport in Ankara was chosen for its location, which can provide space "away from prying eyes" to maintain the confidentiality of the exchange and ensure security.

On August 1, seven aircraft arrived in Turkey, two from the USA and one each from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Russia, with prisoners.

Some prisoners were directly transferred from one aircraft to another to complete the exchange, while others were taken to rooms in the airport specially prepared by MIT for this operation.

MIT staff managed this process, which included checking the prisoners' health status and confirming their identities.

Some prisoners arriving from Russia were in prison uniforms, and MIT helped them change into civilian clothes brought by the American side.

Source: Ukrinform