WASHINGTON – White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Friday that the United States has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained by the Russian government for 100 days. Sullivan confirmed that the U.S. has been in contact with Russian officials regarding Gershkovich’s case, and he personally spoke with Gershkovich’s family representatives and Wall Street Journal officials to discuss the situation and provide updates on the administration’s efforts.
Earlier this week, the Kremlin expressed openness to the possibility of a prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich, but emphasized that any discussions should be held privately. Sullivan acknowledged the discussions but cautioned that a clear pathway to a resolution has not yet been established. He acknowledged that there is no definitive answer at present on how to bring Evan home.
The U.S. ambassador to Moscow, Lynne Tracy, was granted permission to visit Gershkovich on Monday, marking the first visit since April. Gershkovich was arrested on espionage charges during a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg and has been held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, known for its harsh conditions. Last week, a Moscow court upheld a ruling to keep him in custody until August 30.
Both Gershkovich and his employer deny the allegations, and the U.S. government has declared his detention to be unjust. The arrest has raised concerns among journalists in Russia, as authorities have not presented any evidence to support the espionage charges.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the U.S. position that Gershkovich’s detention is unfounded. She reiterated the administration’s call for the immediate release of Gershkovich as well as Paul Whelan, a former Marine Corps veteran who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges for four years. Jean-Pierre conveyed a message of support to Gershkovich and Whelan, assuring them that the U.S. will continue its efforts until they are safely returned home.