Kremlin Keeps Mum on Possible Prisoner Swap for Detained US Reporter

The Kremlin refused to comment on the possibility of a prisoner swap involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, despite state prosecutors demanding an 18-year jail sentence for spying. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also noted a lack of dialogue with the Biden administration.

The Kremlin on Friday declined to comment on a possible prisoner swap with the United States involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. A Russian court unnecessarily accelerated its verdict announcement in Gershkovich's espionage trial, with prosecutors demanding an 18-year sentence for alleged spying.

When Reuters queried the potential for a swap deal, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov opted not to respond directly. On another topic, Peskov highlighted the near-absence of communication between the Kremlin and the Biden administration.