Putin Suggests Prisoner Swap for Release of Jailed US Reporter

Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated a willingness to negotiate a prisoner swap with the U.S. for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia for nearly a year on espionage charges. Putin stated that he wanted reciprocal steps from the U.S. and implied a desire for the release of Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov in exchange for Gershkovich. The U.S. has made multiple proposals for Gershkovich's release, but Putin suggested that the U.S. needs to offer something satisfactory in return. President Biden has been personally engaged in efforts to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad, including Gershkovich and Paul Whelan.