Putin Urges America to Make an Offer for the Release of Detained Americans

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to negotiate a deal with the US for the release of imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, stating that agreements must be mutually acceptable. Gershkovich, who is facing spying charges, had his detention upheld during a recent hearing in Moscow. Putin emphasized the need for the American side to make an appropriate decision, while the US government considers both Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan to be wrongfully detained. Analysts suggest that Moscow may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips amid heightened tensions with the US. The Russian Foreign Ministry has indicated that a swap for Gershkovich would only be considered after a verdict in his trial, which could last for more than a year.