At the start of August, the world watched as 16 political prisoners were released by Russia in the biggest prisoner swap with the west since the Cold War. But what will life be like as opposition figures in exile?
Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC's Will Vernon who tells the stories of Russian dissidents who have faced intimidation and violence since leaving the country.
They are also joined by our Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford was expelled from Russia after decades of reporting. She is the author of "Goodbye to Russia" which details how Vladimir Putin’s time in power has reshaped the country.
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Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles.
Sound Engineer: Mike Regaard and Jonny Baker.
Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.
Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.
