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Trump promises to free US reporter jailed in Russia: ‘I’ll get him released’

May 2, 2024 TruthUSA

In a recent statement, President Trump expressed skepticism about the journalist’s release in the current administration, citing poor handling of relations with Putin by Biden.

Former President Donald Trump has pledged to secure the release of a Wall Street Journal reporter who has been held in Russia for over a year on spying charges that the U.S. government denies.

Evan Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on espionage charges by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in Yekaterinburg. He was allegedly reporting on the Wagner mercenary group on an official trip.

The FSB claimed that Gershkovich collected classified information about a Russian military-industrial complex enterprise at the request of the American side.

Gershkovich is currently detained at Lefortovo Prison in Moscow, awaiting trial.

The Wall Street Journal refutes the espionage allegations, asserting that Gershkovich was in Russia on a legitimate reporting assignment. The U.S. government also denies the charges, calling the detention unjust.

In an interview with Time magazine, President Trump called Gershkovich a “brave young man” and assured that he would work towards his release from Russia.

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“I will call for his release. I will ensure he is released. Putin will agree to release him,” stated President Trump. He criticized Biden’s handling of Russia-Ukraine relations and vowed to secure Gershkovich’s freedom.

President Trump condemned Gershkovich’s detention as a troubling precedent and expressed surprise at his prolonged incarceration. Despite calls for the reporter’s release by President Biden, Moscow has not responded positively.

Upon arrest, Gershkovich became the first American journalist held on spying charges in Russia since the Cold War era, facing a possible 20-year prison term if convicted.

The son of Soviet-born Jewish parents who immigrated to the U.S., Gershkovich worked at The Moscow Times before joining The Wall Street Journal in 2022 to cover Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading to his arrest.

Gershkovich’s confinement at Lefortovo Prison restricts his access to the outside world, and his trial is set to be held privately.

American ‘Pawns’

In a recent court ruling, Gershkovich’s detention was extended until June 30, with U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy dismissing the allegations against him as unfounded.

She criticized Russia for using American citizens like Gershkovich as political pawns, emphasizing the lack of evidence or due process in his case.

Gershkovich’s appeal against pre-trial detention was denied by a Russian court in April, with his trial date pending.

Russian President Putin hinted at the possibility of a journalist-prisoner exchange with the U.S., possibly involving the release of a Russian convict incarcerated in Germany.

Efforts by the U.S. to negotiate Gershkovich’s release have been unsuccessful so far, despite making significant proposals to Russia for his freedom.

The Biden administration recently secured the release of basketball player Brittney Griner from Russian custody in exchange for a convicted arms dealer, showcasing past instances of prison swaps between the two nations.

Russia’s handling of American detainees reflects a pattern of using them as bargaining tools in international relations.

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