Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the possibility of reaching an agreement with the United States regarding the release of detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich. During an interview with American pundit Tucker Carlson, Putin raised the case of a Russian hitman convicted in Germany, suggesting a potential exchange.
The interview, held in Moscow, marked Putin’s first engagement with a Western media figure since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Last March, Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in Russia while on assignment.
He was accused by the Federal Security Service of attempting to acquire state secrets, a charge refuted by Gershkovich, his employer, and the US government.
Putin, when asked by Carlson about Gershkovich’s release, expressed willingness under certain conditions, mentioning ongoing discussions between Russian and US intelligence services.
Despite repeated extensions of Gershkovich’s pretrial detention, his sister Danielle described the situation as increasingly painful, with the family eagerly awaiting progress toward his release.
Efforts by the Biden administration to secure Gershkovich’s release have so far been unsuccessful. The White House previously proposed a prisoner swap, offering the release of Russian nationals detained abroad in exchange for Gershkovich and another American, Paul Whelan.
However, Putin’s mention of Gershkovich during the interview indicates a potential willingness to negotiate further.
Moreover, Putin referenced the case of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian operative serving a life sentence in Germany for a high-profile assassination. Putin hinted at Russia’s interest in Krasikov’s release, suggesting a reciprocal arrangement with the US regarding Gershkovich.
Despite concerns about providing a platform for Russian propaganda, Carlson’s interview with Putin lacked substantial insight into resolving the Ukraine conflict or addressing human rights violations. Putin denied expansionist ambitions and emphasized the need for direct negotiations between Russia and the US.
The interview coincided with US Senate debates over a foreign aid package, including support for Ukraine, underscoring ongoing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Moscow.