Russia Is Reportedly Open To A Prisoner Swap For Detained WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich
ForbesJul 04, 2023
Report: Russia, US Open to Prisoner Swap Involving Reporter Gershkovich
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The Facts
On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters that Russia and the US have considered a prisoner swap that could potentially involve Russian-held Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and US-held Vladimir Dunaev.
These comments came one day after Lynne Tracy, US ambassador to Russia, was allowed to visit Gershkovich, while staffers from the Russian Embassy in Washington DC were allowed to meet with Dunaev.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
While the US should try to secure the release of these prisoners, it must first work to stop Russia from consistently arresting Americans on trumped-up charges to force geopolitical confrontations. These prisoner swaps are never fair deals, as they lead to Russian criminals being put back on the street. Accepting them just plays into the Kremlin's hands.
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine, the US has remained engaged with Russia to secure the release of Gershkovich and other prisoners. Although it’s unfortunate the US might have to trade actual criminals for people being held on false charges — as in the Griner case — the US will do whatever it takes to bring Gershkovich home.