Russia Considers Prisoner Swap for Detained U.S. Journalist Evan Gershkovich

The Kremlin has expressed openness to discussions with the United States regarding a potential prisoner exchange that could involve detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been held in Moscow on espionage charges since March. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while contacts on the matter have taken place, they should be conducted in private. The U.S. ambassador to Moscow was recently allowed to visit Gershkovich, marking the first consular access since April. Gershkovich's arrest has drawn international attention, with his employer and the U.S. government asserting his wrongful detention. The case has raised concerns among journalists in Russia, where authorities have not provided evidence to support the charges.