Navy veteran Taylor Dudley released from Russian detention

Dudley is on his way home, the Richardson Center said in a statement.

“The negotiations and work to secure Taylor’s safe return were done discreetly and with engagement on the ground in both Moscow and Kaliningrad,” according to the statement.

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson underscored the significance of the negotiations, the details of which were not disclosed, in the statement, saying Russian authorities had done “the right thing.” Still, he expressed concern for Paul Whelan, the former Marine who has been detained in Russia since 2018.

“As we celebrate Taylor’s safe return, we remain very concerned for Paul Whelan and committed to continue to work on his safe return, as we have been for the last four years, as well as other Americans,” Richardson said.

CNN first reported the news, and added that no one from the U.S. side was sent to Russia in exchange for Dudley’s release.