The United States on Friday confirmed that it was in talks with Russia about a possible prisoner swap for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, but warned that the discussions had yet to produce “a clear roadmap.” clearly leads to a solution”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov said this week that the two countries have communicated about the possibility of a swap. President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, confirmed the Kremlin’s remarks on Friday, but said he did not want to give “false hopes”.
“There were discussions, but those discussions did not provide a clear path to a solution, adding that the United States did not have an ‘answer’,” Mr. Sullivan told reporters. clear word” on how to secure Mr. Gershkovich’s release.
“All I can do,” he said, “is tell you that we have a clear commitment and belief that we will do everything we can to bring him home.”
Mr. Sullivan met with members of Mr. Gershkovich’s family and employees of the Wall Street Journal, according to The Journal, to document the 100 days since Mr. Gershkovich, 31, was detained during a news tour of the city. Yekaterinburg of Russia. Mr. Gershkovich was held in Lefortovo, a notoriously harsh, high-security prison. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of what the US government, The Journal and press freedom groups have said are bogus espionage allegations.
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, told reporters on Friday: “The world knows that the allegations against Evan are baseless.
Lynne M. Tracy, US Ambassador to Russia visited Mr. Gershkovich at Lefortovo Prison in Moscow on Monday, the first meeting between the journalist and a US diplomat since April 17. Ms. Tracy said that Mr. Gershkovich was in “good health”. ” and remains “strong, despite his circumstances.”
The United States considers both Mr. Gershkovich and Mr Paul Whelana former Marine who is serving a 16-year prison term in Russia on espionage charges, is “wrongfully detained” by Russia, a designation tantamount to being a political hostage.
“Our message to Evan and Paul is: Keep the faith. We won’t stop until you get home,” said Jean-Pierre.
In a brief statement on Friday, Mr Gershkovich’s family said the support from around the world was “huge”.
The family said: “Every day Evan is not home is another day.
Michael Crowley contribution report.
