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Putin stated that he believes the U.S. and Russia can come to an agreement to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been held for almost a year on unproven allegations of espionage.

Former Fox News commentator asked Putin.Tucker Carlson

During an interview this week, Carlson was asked if he would release Gershkovich, who is currently awaiting trial, in order to bring him back to the United States.

Putin stated his desire for the journalist to come back to the United States, but also emphasized that the Kremlin is anticipating reciprocity.

A fresh and notable suggestion has been made to Russia regarding the freeing of Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. Whelan, an American entrepreneur, is currently imprisoned for 20 years on allegations of espionage, which he and his loved ones strongly reject. Both Gershkovich and Whelan are seen as important by the U.S.wrongfully detained. 

“That proposal was rejected by Russia,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Dec. 5. 

During his annual press conference, Putin acknowledged that talks between the Kremlin and Washington had taken place. However, he stated that the U.S. had not presented a satisfactory proposal.

Miller stated that the United States had presented several proposals.

Miller stated on December 14 that up to this point, they have observed a refusal from them to accept our suggestions. They are hopeful that in the future, they will alter their approach towards handling this situation.

According to Putin, there has been a successful communication between the special services of the United States and Russia in the past, and an ongoing dialogue continues. He shared this information with Carlson.

Putin stated that this will likely also be a successful endeavor, but an agreement needs to be reached.

In recent years, there have been two exchanges of prisoners between the United States and Russia in order to secure the release of a Marine veteran.Trevor Reed and WNBA star Brittney Griner

The individual, who was also believed by the United States to be unjustly held in Russia.

Putin stated that there is a possibility for Mr. Gershkovich to go back to his home country, but ultimately, it is illogical to continue holding him in a Russian prison. He urged the U.S. special services to consider ways in which they can assist in accomplishing the objectives of the Russian special services.

The White House said

In January, it was reported that President Biden has been actively involved in the attempts to secure the release of American citizens who are being held hostage or detained without just cause in foreign countries, such as Gershkovich and Whelan.

Caitlin Yilek

Source: cbsnews.com