Russian court to hold espionage trial behind closed doors for US journalist Evan Gershkovich

American journalist Evan Gershkovich, 32, is facing trial in Yekaterinburg, Russia, accused of gathering secret information on orders from the CIA about a military equipment facility. He has been held in Moscow's Lefortovo prison since his arrest. The Biden administration has sought his release, but Russia is considering a prisoner swap only after a trial verdict. Putin hinted at a possible swap for a Russian national imprisoned in Germany. Gershkovich's trial will be held behind closed doors starting on June 26. The US government and his employer, the Wall Street Journal, deny the charges against him. The White House has accused Russia of using Gershkovich as a geopolitical hostage, while the State Department has called the allegations against him lacking credibility. Gershkovich is among several Americans detained in Russia, including former Marine Paul Whelan. Russian prosecutors claim Gershkovich was caught red-handed trying to obtain military secrets and acting on CIA instructions. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Russia is holding other US citizens in its prisons, and Gershkovich is the first American journalist detained on spy charges in Russia since the Cold War. The US has made efforts to secure his release, but Russia is reportedly seeking a prisoner swap for a Russian national imprisoned in Germany.