Russia Open To Prisoner Swap For Princeton's Gershkovich: Reports

PRINCETON, NJ – Russian authorities have hinted at a prisoner swap for detained journalist and Princeton native Evan Gershkovich, according to several media reports.

Kremlin officials said they were open to talks that must be held away from the public eye, The Guardian reported.

The Wall Street Journal reported of a possible prisoner swap between Gershkovich and Russian Vladimir Dunaev, who’s being held in the U.S. on cybercrime charges.

The White House told the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday that it did not have any “breakthrough” to share about the release of Gershkovich and fellow-American Paul Wheelan.

On Monday, Russia allowed U.S. Consular access to Gershkovich after more than a two-month gap. Ambassador Lynne Tracey was allowed to visit the detained journalist for the second time.

A journalist with the Wall Street Journal, Gershkovich was detained in Russia on March 29, on espionage charges.

“Ambassador Tracy reports that Mr. Gershkovich is in good health and remains strong, despite his circumstances,” a state department spokesperson said.

The 31-year-old reporter is being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo prison.

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