Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that ongoing discussions regarding the detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich are challenging, as the White House persists in advocating for his release. Putin stated that talks with the US are ongoing and he hopes for a mutually acceptable solution, while also emphasizing the importance of a resolution that meets the needs of the Russian side.
During his yearly press conference and Q&A session, Putin noted that there are ongoing discussions and exchanges with American counterparts on this issue, indicating that there is mutual understanding between the two parties.
Gershkovich was detained in March while on a reporting assignment in the country. The FSB, Russia's primary security agency, apprehended him on allegations of attempting to access classified information - an accusation that Gershkovich, his employer, and the US government have vehemently refuted.
He could be sentenced to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
"I am optimistic that we can come to a resolution. However, I emphasize the importance of the American side listening to us and making a decision that is fair to Russia," Putin remarked.
Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist, was seen standing inside a defendants' cage during a hearing on his extended pre-trial detention at the Moscow City Court on September 19, 2023. Gershkovich was arrested on charges of espionage in March while on a reporting trip to the Urals. Both the US government and his employer, the Wall Street Journal, have vigorously denied the accusations. In August, his pre-trial detention was prolonged by three months. (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA / AFP) (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)
Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images
Evan Gershkovichs sister says ordeal for his family is painful and getting harder 250 days into detention
A Moscow court ruled on Thursday that he must continue to be detained until January 30, upholding the initial ruling from last month. The decision was met with criticism from the US Embassy in Moscow, which expressed deep concern. Following his arrest, the US State Department declared Gershkovich's detention by Russia as wrongful, stating that "Journalism is not a crime." They also condemned the Kremlin's continued repression of independent voices in Russia and its ongoing war against the truth."
The Biden administration's attempts to secure his release have been unsuccessful so far. The White House proposed a trade involving a significant number of Russian nationals detained on espionage charges abroad in exchange for the release of Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, according to two sources familiar with the situation who spoke to CNN last week. However, the offer was not accepted. In response to this rejection, Putin confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the potential extradition of the jailed Americans.
"We are not rejecting their return. We want to engage in negotiations to reach mutually acceptable agreements," he stated. According to his sister Danielle, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult and painful for Gershkovich's family as they await progress on his release.
"It has been nearly eight months since he was imprisoned, and he has missed out on so much. We miss him dearly, but we must stay strong and continue fighting for Evan," Danielle Gershkovich shared with Jim Sciutto on CNN Newsroom Max.
Reporting contributed by CNN's Jim Sciutto, Natasha Bertrand, Katie Bo Lillis, and Jennifer Hansler.
