The US is open to “creative solutions” for a potential exchange of journalist Evan Gershkovich and Marine Paul Whelan. The Wall Street Journal writes about this, citing a source.
“Within the limits of what is legally available, we are constantly looking for what might be relevant or useful,” the source added.
The author of the article, however, notes that public attention to the arrest of Gershkovich may make it somewhat difficult to conclude a prisoner exchange agreement involving three or more countries. In addition, the article says, there is currently not a single Russian in custody in the United States on charges of espionage. There are several Russians in US prisons accused or convicted of cybercrimes.
Recall that WSJ correspondent Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia at the end of March on suspicion of espionage. The Moscow City Court in 2020 sentenced Whelan on a similar charge to 16 years in prison.
Last December, the United States and Russia held a prisoner exchange. Viktor Bout, who was sentenced in the United States on a case of illegal arms trafficking, and basketball player Brittney Griner, who was convicted in Russia for drug smuggling, returned to their homeland.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
