Russia "Discussing Release of WSJ Reporter Accused of Espionage with US"

Russia has announced that it is in contact with the United States regarding the release of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter arrested on espionage charges.

On the 4th (local time), WSJ reported that Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, responded to a question about the possibility of a prisoner exchange related to Gershkovich's release by saying, "We are in contact with the United States on that matter." Peskov confirmed "there are specific contacts" without mentioning Gershkovich's name. However, he added, "No further details can be disclosed. It must be conducted completely confidentially."

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter arrested by Russia on espionage charges. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Gershkovich, a WSJ Moscow bureau correspondent, has been detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on espionage charges since late March. A White House official said, "Although no breakthrough to make public has been achieved yet, we are doing our best to secure the release of Gershkovich and another American, Paul Whelan." Previously, the U.S. had pursued a prisoner exchange to secure the release of both Gershkovich and Whelan, but it was reported that Russia refused.

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