President Biden emphasized his commitment to negotiating a prisoner exchange to secure the release of Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter that the United States considers “wrongfully detained” in Russia. During a press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö in Helsinki, Biden expressed his determination to free Americans held unlawfully in Russia and elsewhere. This move is part of the ongoing process to achieve that goal.
Last week, Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s national security adviser, confirmed that the United States is engaged in discussions with Russia about a potential swap, although there is still no clear resolution at this point. This statement came in response to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov’s remarks about both countries being in contact regarding a prisoner exchange.
Evan Gershkovich, a 31-year-old journalist, has been detained since late March on espionage charges at Moscow’s high-security Lefortovo Prison. The United States and The Wall Street Journal strongly deny these accusations, calling them baseless. Gershkovich, who has been living in Russia for nearly six years, was arrested during a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in a penal colony, despite the lack of evidence presented by Russian prosecutors.
Both Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a former Marine serving a 16-year sentence for spying, are considered to be “wrongfully detained” by the United States, equivalent to being political hostages. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, assured Gershkovich and Whelan that the United States remains committed to bringing them home, emphasizing their unwavering support. Last Friday marked Gershkovich’s 100th day in imprisonment.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan met with the Gershkovich family on that day and expressed the United States’ determination to do everything possible to secure his release. In a brief statement, Gershkovich’s family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received worldwide and stressed that every day he spends away from home is one too many.
Earlier this month, Lynne M. Tracy, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, visited Gershkovich at the prison and reported that he is in good health and remains resilient despite his circumstances.
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