The United States has confirmed that it is currently engaged in discussions with Russia regarding a potential prisoner exchange for Evan Gershkovich, a reporter from the Wall Street Journal. However, it is important to note that these discussions have not yet resulted in a clear resolution.
Dmitri S. Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated earlier this week that the two countries were in contact to explore the possibility of a swap. On Friday, President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, confirmed these remarks from the Kremlin, but he also emphasized that he did not want to create false hope.
During a press briefing, Mr. Sullivan informed reporters that there have been discussions, but no clear pathway to a resolution has been established. He further added that the United States does not have a definitive answer on how it will secure Mr. Gershkovich’s release.
“All I can do,” he stated, “is assure you that we are fully committed and determined to do everything within our power to bring him back home.”
According to The Journal, Mr. Sullivan met with members of Mr. Gershkovich’s family and the Wall Street Journal staff to mark the 100th day since Mr. Gershkovich, aged 31, was detained during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg, Russia. He has been held in Lefortovo, a highly secure and notoriously harsh prison. If convicted on what the U.S. government, The Journal, and press freedom organizations have deemed as baseless charges of espionage, Mr. Gershkovich could face a 20-year sentence.
On Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, “The world knows that the charges against Evan are baseless.”
Lynne M. Tracy, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, visited Mr. Gershkovich at Lefortovo Prison in Moscow on Monday. This marked the first meeting between the journalist and an American diplomatic official since April 17. Ms. Tracy reported that Mr. Gershkovich is in good health and remains strong despite his circumstances.
Both Mr. Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a former Marine serving a 16-year sentence in Russia on espionage charges, are considered by the United States to be “wrongfully detained” by Russia, a designation that equates to being political hostages.
Ms. Jean-Pierre stated, “Our message to Evan and to Paul is this: Keep the faith. We won’t stop until you are home.”
In a brief statement on Friday, Mr. Gershkovich’s family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from around the world.
“Every day that Evan isn’t home is another day too many,” the family said.
Michael Crowley contributed to this report.
2023-07-07 20:16:54
Link from www.nytimes.com
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