Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed freed prisoners in Moscow, in a historic development, as Russia and the United States completed their largest post-Soviet prisoner swap on Thursday, releasing 24 individuals. It included notable Russian dissidents and journalists. Putin embraced the returnees as they disembarked from their plane. In a video shared by the Associated Press, Putin is seen warmly greeting the group with hugs and handshakes, including a tearful woman. The exchange saw Russia release American journalist Evan Gershkovich, corporate security executive Paul Whelan, and Radio Free Europe journalist…