Russia calls for confidentiality in possible prisoner exchange with US

ISTANBUL

The Kremlin on Thursday reiterated the need for confidentiality in discussions on possible prisoner exchanges between Russia and the US, in particular, that involve the release of Wall Street Journal Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested a year ago on charges of espionage.

“We have repeatedly emphasized that there are certain contacts, but they must be carried out in absolute silence,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a press briefing in Moscow.

“Violation of this tightness only creates additional problems and prevents the achievement of some result in this process,” Peskov said in response to a question.

He said the Kremlin does not have information on when Gershkovich’s trial will begin. A Moscow court extended on Tuesday Gershkovich’s detention for another three months until June 30.

Gershkovich, a US citizen working as a correspondent at the newspaper's Moscow bureau, was arrested by the Federal Security Service in the city of Yekaterinburg in March last year. The agency claimed he was caught "red-handed" while collecting secret information.

US officials have demanded Gershkovich’s immediate release, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying he was “wrongfully detained.”

During an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in Moscow last month, President Vladimir Putin said dialogue was ongoing between the Russian and American special services, saying Gershkovich’s return has to be resolved in a "calm, responsible and professional manner."