Russia Confirms Contact With US Over Possible Swap For Detained WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich

　　The Kremlin has confirmed that discussions are underway with the United States regarding a potential prisoner exchange involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is currently detained in Russia.

　　What Happened: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskovrevealed that the talks had been initiated with the U.S. over the matter of Gershkovich, who is facing espionage charges in Russia. However, he emphasized that these discussions should be kept confidential, Reuters reported.

　　Kremlin spokesperson referenced President Vladimir Putins recent statements made during a meeting with senior editors from international news agencies. Putin mentioned that Russia and the United States had ongoing communication regarding the issue.

　　“I want to remind you again of the presidents conversation with the heads of information agencies in St. Petersburg – he confirmed that there are such contacts,” Peskov said.

　　He added, “They go on but should continue to be conducted in complete silence… Therefore, no announcements, statements, or information on this matter can be provided.”

　　When questioned about the decision to hold Gershkovichs espionage trial behind closed doors, Peskov declined to comment, stating that it was a court ruling.

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　　Why It Matters: Gershkovich, 32, was apprehended by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on Mar. 29, 2023, in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on charges of espionage, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He has consistently refuted these allegations.

　　This development follows a series of events involving Gershkovichs detention. In August, the Russian court extended his pre-trial detention for an unspecified period. This was the first time Russia had accused an American journalist of spying since the Cold War.

　　Earlier, in June 2023, Gershkovich‘s parents traveled from Philadelphia to Moscow to attend their son’s pretrial proceedings. They were ushered inside the courtroom for the conclusion of the proceedings, where they saw their son standing in a metal cage.

　　Furthermore, in February, a German national was detained in Russia for possessing cannabis gummies, amid talks between Putin and Washington for a potential swap for the imprisoned WSJ reporter.