Russia and the United States have had “contacts” regarding the case of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, raising the possibility of a prisoner exchange, according to Russia. This development comes after the US ambassador to Russia was allowed to meet with Mr. Gershkovich for the second time since his imprisonment. Russian embassy staff also recently visited Vladimir Dunaev, who is detained in the US on cybercrime charges.
Mr. Gershkovich, who is accused of espionage, was arrested on March 29. The US, the Wall Street Journal, and Mr. Gershkovich himself deny the spying allegations. He is the first western journalist to be detained in Russia since the Soviet era.
On the other hand, Russian national Mr. Dunaev was extradited to the US from South Korea in 2021, where he faces charges related to his alleged involvement in a transnational cybercriminal organization. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and identity theft charges.
When asked about the timing of the two meetings and the possibility of an exchange, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there are certain contacts on the matter, but they should be carried out and continued in complete silence.
Mr. Peskov also emphasized the importance of ensuring the legal right to consular visits on both sides.
Previously, Russia had been dismissing US requests for more visits with Mr. Gershkovich since the ambassador’s initial meeting with the journalist in April. However, after Monday’s visit, Ambassador Tracy reported that Mr. Gershkovich is in good health and remains strong despite his circumstances, according to a State Department spokesperson.
The 31-year-old journalist is currently being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, a former KGB prison. A Moscow court rejected an appeal to free Mr. Gershkovich on June 22, which the US described as extremely disappointing.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had been urging Russia daily to permit consular access until Monday’s meeting. The US has accused Russia of ignoring international law by blocking diplomatic access to detained Americans.
Russia had linked its decision to deny access to the US refusing visas to a group of Russian reporters assigned to cover Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to the UN Security Council in New York. The Russian foreign ministry described the visa denial as an act of “sabotage,” and Mr. Lavrov stated that Russia would neither forgive nor forget the decision.
In addition to Mr. Gershkovich, the US has been advocating for the release of Paul Whelan, a former US Marine who has been in jail for over four years. Mr. Whelan is currently in Mordovia, an area in far southeast Moscow known for its harsh prison conditions.
The State Department has stated that both men deserve to go home to their families now.
In a similar case, basketball star Brittney Griner was released in December after the US brokered a prison swap and released Russian Viktor Bout, who was imprisoned in the US for weapons smuggling.
Secretary of State Blinken has expressed that the US is exploring ways to bring home “many other Americans who are being detained in different parts of the world in an arbitrary fashion.”
What are the allegations against Evan Gershkovich, and how have both the US and Gershkovich himself responded to them?
Sia and the United States have communicated regarding the case of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, with discussions suggesting the possibility of a prisoner exchange, according to Russia. This update follows the second meeting between the US ambassador to Russia and Mr. Gershkovich since his imprisonment. Russian embassy staff have also recently visited Russian national Vladimir Dunaev, who is currently detained in the US on cybercrime charges.
Mr. Gershkovich was arrested on March 29 on charges of espionage, but both the US, the Wall Street Journal, and Mr. Gershkovich himself have denied these allegations. His detention marks the first instance of a western journalist being held in Russia since the era of the Soviet Union.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dunaev was extradited to the US from South Korea in 2021 and is facing charges related to his alleged involvement in a transnational cybercriminal organization. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and identity theft charges.
When questioned about the timing of the two meetings and the possibility of a prisoner exchange, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that there have been certain communications on the matter. However, he stressed the need for these discussions to be conducted and continued in complete silence.
Mr. Peskov also highlighted the importance of upholding the legal right to consular visits for both sides.
Previously, Russia and the United States have engaged in negotiations related to prisoner swaps, notably in 2019 when they exchanged two Russian nationals, Maria Butina and Viktor Bout, for two Americans detained in Russia.
It is concerning to see how geopolitical tensions can impact the lives of innocent individuals like Evan Gershkovich. While a prisoner exchange may bring some hope, it is crucial for diplomatic efforts to prioritize the fair treatment and release of journalists worldwide, ensuring press freedom and protecting their rights.
This proposed prisoner exchange between Russia and the US involving Evan Gershkovich is a testament to the growing diplomatic complexities between the two nations. It highlights the dire need for international cooperation in ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists who tirelessly strive to report the truth.