Evan Gershkovich trial reveals Putin’s dangerous behavior

Journalist Evan Gershkovich, from the Wall Street Journal, is currently facing a show trial for espionage in Russia, a country ruled by a power-hungry tyrant. The charges against Gershkovich, accusing him of spying for the US, are baseless, and Russia has provided no evidence to support their claims.

Despite this lack of evidence, Gershkovich is likely to be found guilty in Russia’s biased courts, where over 99% of defendants are convicted. President Putin has hinted at using Gershkovich as leverage in a prisoner swap, revealing the true motive behind his arrest: hostage-taking.

This persecution is not unique; even a 15-year-old boy named Arseny Turbin has been labeled a terrorist for opposing Putin’s war in Ukraine. The recent “mysterious” death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny further highlights Russia’s lack of rule of law, showing instead the unchecked power of a paranoid dictator.

Some may try to justify Putin’s actions, but the reality is that he is driven by evil intentions and can only be deterred by fear or defeat on the battlefield. The US must intensify efforts to bring Evan Gershkovich back home, as abandoning an American journalist in need is not an option. However, it’s essential to recognize that treating Russia as a rational actor only emboldens Putin further.