American journalist Evan Gershkovich’s lawyer, Tatyana Nozhkina, positively evaluated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s words about the possibility of exchanging her client. The publication reports that “To climb”.
In an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson published on the night of February 9, Putin hinted that Moscow was ready to consider the possibility of exchanging The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich. The head of state did not specify the name and surname of the swap candidate, only explaining with indirect evidence that we are talking about a person who “liquidated a bandit” and is now in one of the European countries.
The lawyer said that he did not yet know for sure whether his client watched this interview, but that he would definitely tell him about it.
“Judging by the fact that it was the only thing they showed on TV, I probably saw that. But he will definitely hear from me. If Vladimir Vladimirovich says that it is possible, most likely yes. Of course, this is a positive signal, we understand it no matter what, each such message naturally gives a dose of optimism,” said the lawyer.
Before that, Adrienne Watson, head of the press service of the White House National Security Council (NSC) statedIt was stated that US officials discussed the possibility of exchanging American citizens Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, who are in Russia, with third countries.
Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich was detained on espionage charges at the end of March 2023. It is stated that the reporter faces up to 20 years in prison according to Russian legislation.
Whelan was previously convicted of espionage in Russia accused The USA was betrayed.