Now watch your backs!

RUSSIA sent a terrifying warning to newly released US prisoners yesterday, telling them to "disguise themselves".

- Mark Reynolds

Some 16 detainees from the West were freed by Moscow as part of a historic international swap this week.

But former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev hinted that those released by the Kremlin would be far from safe.

The senior politician said: "Let the traitors now feverishly pick up new names and actively disguise themselves under witness protection programmes."

There were hugs and tears yesterday as highprofile US prisoners Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva were greeted at a military base in Maryland by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The trio were then quickly reunited their families.

Wall Street with Journal reporter Mr Gershkovich was seen hugging his emotional parents at the air base. They had waited some 491 days for his return.

Mr Biden welcomed the prisoners' release and later declared: "Their brutal ordeal is over."

While seen as highly controversial by many with a convicted assassin being returned to Russia as part of the deal - Mr Biden hailed the swap as a triumph for American diplomacy.

He praised the role played by America's allies, particularly Germany and Slovenia, and hailed the release of Mr Whelan, Mr Gershkovich and Ms Kurmasheva, as well as leading Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, as a "feat of diplomacy".

He added: "Imagine how you'd all feel if you're being held captive unfairly and you had children at home.