The President met the returning Russians right at the plane ramp.

Literally: “The motherland has not forgotten about you for a minute.”

The Russians who returned as part of the exchange will be presented with state awards.

FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov, head of the SVR Sergei Naryshkin and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov also arrived at the airport.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Putin’s Triumph

“With the deal, he emphasized what his propaganda had been instilling in Russians for years — Europe had submitted to Washington’s will. If the Americans put enough pressure, the Germans will release even prisoners like Krasikov.

However, much more important is the signal that Putin is sending to Russians who continue to work for him undercover abroad. If they get caught, they just have to hold on like Krasikov, wait, say nothing, and the Kremlin will take care of them.”