In a recent social media post on Truth Social, Donald Trump stated that he plans to use his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure the release of Wall Street reporter Evan Gershkovich from a Russian prison. Trump mentioned that this will occur shortly after the November election in the United States, where he is running against President Biden in his bid to return to the White House. He assured that Gershkovich will be freed before he assumes office and will be able to reunite with his family.
Despite Trump’s claims, he did not specify any communication he had with Putin or explain why he believes the Russian leader would agree to release Gershkovich. In response to Trump’s comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there have been no contacts between Putin and Trump. Gershkovich was arrested on spying charges in Russia in March of the previous year, with his newspaper, the Biden administration, and Gershkovich himself denying the allegations. He has been held in a Moscow prison for over a year with no set trial date.
Putin had suggested in February that Gershkovich could potentially be released in exchange for a Russian prisoner held in Germany for murder. Peskov reiterated the Kremlin’s stance that any discussions with Washington regarding a prisoner exchange must be conducted discreetly to be effective. Throughout his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump expressed admiration for Putin and controversially refused to acknowledge Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, contradicting his own intelligence agencies.
In addition to his promises regarding Gershkovich’s release, Trump has also claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if he returns to the White House. However, he has not provided details on how he would achieve this. The situation involving Gershkovich’s imprisonment in Russia has sparked international attention and raised concerns about press freedom and diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia. It remains to be seen whether Trump will be successful in securing Gershkovich’s release through his purported connection with Putin. The handling of this case could have broader implications for international politics and the treatment of journalists working abroad.
