Joe Biden Drops Strong Stance on Prisoner Exchange for Evan Gershkovich

During a news conference in Helsinki, President Joe Biden expressed his commitment to securing the release of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia, according to Politico.

Biden emphasized that the United States is serious about orchestrating a prisoner exchange and doing everything possible to free Americans unlawfully detained in Russia or any other location.

The Kremlin officials had previously stated that they were discussing a potential swap involving Gershkovich with their US counterparts.

While the Joe Biden administration acknowledged these talks, they noted that a clear path to a resolution had not yet been established.

The efforts to secure the release of Gershkovich and other Americans held in Russia are currently underway.

Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich's Arrest

Evan Gershkovich's arrest on espionage charges in Yekaterinburg and subsequent detention at Moscow's Lefortovo prison have drawn international attention, AP reports.

Gershkovich and his employer vehemently deny the allegations, while the US government has stated that he is wrongfully detained.

The conditions at Lefortovo prison are known to be harsh, adding to concerns for Gershkovich's well-being.

The recent court ruling to keep him in custody until August 30 has further raised alarm. Russian authorities have not presented evidence to substantiate the espionage charges against Gershkovich. His arrest has had a chilling effect on journalists in Russia.

While discussions between the Joe Biden administration and Russia regarding a potential prisoner exchange, including Evan Gershkovich, have taken place, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan cautioned that a clear pathway to securing Gershkovich's release has not yet been established.

Gershkovich's case marks the first time since 1986 that an American reporter has faced espionage charges in Russia.

Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for US News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB then but was released 20 days later in a swap for a Soviet Union's UN mission employee arrested by the FBI on spying charges.

The Gershkovich family is going through a challenging time, with Evan's sister, Danielle, expressing the difficulty of the situation, as reported by CBS News.

She mentioned that they are taking it daily and that it still feels unreal sometimes. For their parents, navigating the circumstances surrounding Evan's detention has become a full-time job.

Despite the challenges, the family has visited Evan in Russia briefly during his court hearings. Danielle also receives letters from Evan about once a week, which helps them stay connected.

Danielle expressed her pride in her brother's bravery and resilience, and she also feels a sense of responsibility to stay strong for him.

US, Russia Discuss Swap Between Evan Gershkovich and Vladimir Dunaev

The possibility of a prisoner swap involving Evan Gershkovich and Vladimir Dunaev, who is facing cybercrime charges in the US, has been raised by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, per The Hill.

These discussions come after US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy visited Gershkovich at Lefortovo prison.

Prisoner swaps between the US and Russia have occurred in the past.

In December, WNBA star Brittney Griner was released by Russia in a prisoner exchange, with the Joe Biden administration releasing Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Meanwhile, Paul Whelan, an American corporate security executive, has been imprisoned in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges that his family and the US government consider baseless, said The Guardian.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Biden 'serious' about springing WSJ's Evan Gershkovich, says 'process is underway' - From New York Post