I understand your comments and your logic but I have to think there is a certain “intelligence” etiquette that exists. In a high-profile case like this, it’s just how things might be done in the diplomatic/espionage world.
they’re caught. They’re highly exposed in this case. we are doing the same thing in Russia. so it’s mutually accepted to simply release the spies in exchange for people. done deal. Russia rebuilds it’s spy network here. life goes on.....
“Russia rebuilds it’s spy network here. life goes on.....”
How do we know the Russian spies that were caught were not pre-planned expendables to serve as a rabbit trail while the “real” spies keep on doing their thing?