Kremlin Claims U.S. Contacts for Swap Involving Journalist Evan Gershkovich

Russian authorities have announced that U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been held captive for over a year, will face trial on espionage charges. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that American officials have been engaging in secret negotiations for a potential prisoner swap deal to secure Gershkovich's release. President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of a quiet and professional approach to resolving the situation, hinting at demanding a heavy ransom for the journalist's freedom. The trial proceedings will be conducted behind closed doors, with the first hearing scheduled for June 26. Gershkovich was arrested in Yekaterinburg in March 2023 while on a reporting trip, marking the first instance of an American journalist being detained in Russia since the Cold War. The charges against him have been denounced as baseless by both The Wall Street Journal and U.S. government officials. Despite Russia's claims of catching him spying red-handed, no evidence has been presented to support the allegations. Ambassador Lynne Trace was permitted to visit Gershkovich in prison after a prolonged period, while Russian consular officials were granted access to an alleged cybercriminal, Vladimir Dunaev, held in a U.S. prison. Dunaev was extradited to the U.S. and sentenced for his involvement in the Trickbot ransomware scheme. Peskov declined to comment on any potential connection between Gershkovich and Dunaev receiving consular visits simultaneously.