US proposal to Russia: Exchanging suspected Russian spies in return for freeing Whelan and Gershkovich, sources reveal
The Biden administration reportedly proposed a prisoner swap with Russia, offering to exchange a group of suspected Russian spies held on espionage charges abroad for the release of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, two Americans detained in Russia
The Biden administration proposed a trade to release a group of Russian nationals detained on espionage charges in exchange for the release of Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich from Russia, according to two sources familiar with the matter. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller also confirmed that the United States had made a new and significant proposal to Russia to secure the release of Whelan and Gershkovich, but Moscow rejected the offer.
The Biden administration's efforts to bring home Whelan and Gershkovich, both designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department, have proven unsuccessful. Whelan is reaching his five-year mark in Russian detention this month, and Monday marked the 250th day of Gershkovich's imprisonment.
Although Miller declined to provide specific details on the "new and significant proposal," sources have told CNN that US and European officials are considering the release of Russians convicted for espionage, as well as suspected Russian spies, in exchange for Whelan and Gershkovich, both of whom Moscow has accused of espionage. Recent arrests of suspected Russian spies have been made by several European countries, including Norway, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, and Slovenia.
CNN previously reported that the Biden administration was searching globally for potential opportunities to secure the release of Whelan and Gershkovich, especially after Russia did not respond adequately to an offer that was made earlier this year.
"We are in regular discussions about this matter with our allies and partners who can provide assistance," Miller stated during a news briefing on Tuesday.
The most recent proposal did not include Vadim Krasikov, a former colonel from Russia's domestic spy organization who is currently serving a life sentence for murder in Germany. Sources say he has been a top priority for Russia to bring back. Miller did not provide details on how the offer was presented to Moscow, but emphasized that the US has emphasized the importance of this case through various channels with the Russian government.
Miller mentioned that while he wouldn't elaborate on the methods of communication used, they have established channels to reach out to the individuals. Their intention is to keep making offers and they are optimistic about securing their release. He emphasized that the proposal was for both Whelan and Gershkovich, highlighting their commitment to ensuring the safe return of both individuals.
Whelan's brother, David Whelan, informed CNN on Tuesday that the family had been notified of a new offer being made and rejected, although they were not given any details about the proposal.
"We are pleased that the US government is still attempting to secure Paul's freedom. Unfortunately, it seems to be taking them a long time to initiate communication with the Kremlin, while Paul is facing worsening conditions in Mordovia," David Whelan stated. "We hope that their next attempt is swifter and more effective."
Paul Whelan, arrested in December 2018 and sentenced in June 2020 to 16 years in prison for espionage, which he vehemently denies, has voiced his disappointment at the lack of effort to secure his release.
"I never imagined it would come to this," Whelan told CNN last week. "I truly believed the US government would have resolved this years ago."
Whelan expressed his frustration with the slow progress of diplomacy from his remote prison camp in Mordovia, stating that he was disappointed with two trades that proceeded without his inclusion. He suggested that the US government should have insisted on the release of all American prisoners, including himself, rather than allowing for selective swaps. US officials have indicated that the Russians declined to include Whelan in these swaps for other prisoners.
Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in March and charged with espionage, a charge he denies. His pretrial detention at Moscow's infamous Lefortovo Prison has been extended multiple times by a Russian court.
According to his sister Danielle Gershkovich, the ordeal has been "painful" for their family and is only becoming more difficult as time passes without any progress. She shared this sentiment in an interview with CNN on Monday.
"He has been imprisoned for almost or over eight months now, missing out on so much. We dearly miss him, but we have to stay strong and keep fighting for Evan," she said. The story has been updated with additional details.
