Russia has agreed to release jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan in a significant prisoner swap, according to a report on Thursday by Bloomberg News. The news agency revealed that the Russian government is releasing both men as part of a major exchange with the United States. They are currently en route to destinations outside of Russia, while the US and its allies will return prisoners held by Russia under the deal.
Evan Gershkovich was sentenced last month to 16 years in prison on fabricated espionage charges. Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan was left behind in a previous prisoner swap that released WNBA star Brittney Griner back in 2022. However, the identities of the Russian prisoners held by the U.S., as well as any other concessions made for Gershkovich and Whelan’s release remain unknown at this time.
This development comes after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had vowed to secure the prisoners’ release, threatening enemies of the U.S. in his speech to the party convention last month: “To the entire world, we want our hostages back—and they better be back before I assume office, or you will be paying a very big price.
The prisoner swap has been made possible due to negotiations between both countries, and it signifies an important step in improving diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States. It is hoped that this exchange will pave the way for further cooperation on global issues, leading to increased stability and security in the international community.