US Seeks Unconventional Solutions for Release of Journalist, Ex-Marine Jailed in Russia

(MENAFN) According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the United States is exploring unconventional methods to secure the release of Evan Gershkovich, a journalist for the WSJ who is currently imprisoned in Russia on charges of espionage. The United States is reportedly struggling to find suitable candidates for a prisoner swap, as it has no Russian "spies" in its custody. Furthermore, given the gravity of the allegations against Gershkovich, Moscow may consider any exchange to be unevenly matched.

A senior White House official has said that the United States is "open to creative solutions" to secure the release of Gershkovich, as well as Paul Whelan, a former United States marine who was convicted of espionage in Russia in 2020. The official added that the US is constantly exploring all legally available options to secure their release.

Moscow has previously told Washington that it will only exchange Whelan for a Russian citizen accused of a similar offense abroad. In the past, Russia has offered to exchange Whelan for Vadim Krasikov, a man who was sentenced to life in prison in Germany for murder. However, Washington considered a deal involving a third country to be impossible at the time. According to the WSJ, the US has since changed its position and is now exploring all potential options.

The imprisonment of Gershkovich and Whelan has been a source of tension between the US and Russia. The United States has repeatedly called for their release, accusing Russia of using them as bargaining chips in geopolitical disputes. The fate of the two men remains uncertain, but the United States is clearly willing to consider unconventional approaches to secure their release.

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