Imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is expected to be released by Russian authorities following a prisoner deal with the US Government.
It is reported at least three people — Gershkovich, Russian American presenter Alsu Kurmasheva and Marine veteran Paul Whelan — will be released following a deal accepted by the Biden administration.
The BBC reports the deal was confirmed by “a senior US official”. The agreement is expected to see the trio released later on Thursday.
There is a possibility more people will be released in the deal.
CBS reports 24 prisoners from Russia, Germany and other western countries are involved in the deal.
Gershkovich, 32, was imprisoned after being accused of espionage while working in the country as a journalist. He was arrested and charged on March 29 last year, before being sentenced to 16 years prison in July.
His employer and the US Government vehemently denied the allegations.
There is speculation Vadim Krasikov — a colonel in Russia’s FSB intelligence service who was sentenced to life in Germany after murdering an opponent of the Kremlin — is among the men being exchanged for American citizens.
More to come.
Source Agencies
