Russia is still awaiting a response from the United States regarding a potential prisoner swap, just days before US journalist Evan Gershkovich is set to stand trial in Russia. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in March 2023 and charged with espionage, a claim that his family, employer, and the White House have all denied.
In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that negotiations for a prisoner swap involving Gershkovich were underway, but the Kremlin has since provided no further updates on the status of the talks.
In an interview with TASS news agency, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that “the ball is in the court of the United States,” awaiting a response to Russia’s proposals.
Ryabkov acknowledged that the ideas presented to the US may not be satisfactory to American officials, saying “that’s their problem.”
The trial of Gershkovich is scheduled to take place in Yekaterinburg on June 26 and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if he is found guilty.
The United States has accused Russia of arresting its citizens on false charges as a means of using them as leverage to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad.
Washington has previously called for Gershkovich’s release, describing his detention as part of a pattern of repressive behavior by the Russian government.
Other US nationals being held in Russia include reporter Alsu Kurmasheva, who was detained last year for allegedly failing to register as a “foreign agent,” and former US marine Paul Whelan, who has been imprisoned since 2018 and is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges.
Both Kurmasheva and Whelan are seeking inclusion in any future prisoner exchange.
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