Kremlin: Putin Pardoned 12 Prisoners Released in Swap

The Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had pardoned by decree 12 prisoners, including three Americans, released in a swap with Western countries on Thursday, in what it said was a move aimed at returning Russian captives held abroad.

In the statement, the Kremlin said it was grateful to all countries that helped prepare the swap, and to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for releasing German national Rico Krieger.