<p>Moscow: 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.</p><p>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. </p>
<p>Moscow: 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.</p><p>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. </p>