US, Russia in talks over possible prisoner swap for WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich — but will be conducted in ‘complete silence’
NY Post
MOSCOW, June 17 – The Kremlin said on Monday that contacts had taken place with the United States over a possible prisoner exchange involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich but that they should remain far from the media.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov quoted President Vladimir Putin’s remarks earlier this month at a meeting with senior international news agency editors.
Putin said then that Russia and the United States were in contact on the issue.
“I want to remind you again of the president’s conversation with the heads of information agencies in St. Petersburg — he confirmed that there are such contacts,” Peskov said.
“They go on but should continue to be conducted in complete silence… Therefore, no announcements, statements, or information on this matter can be provided.”
When asked why the espionage trial of Gershkovich was to be held behind closed doors, Peskov said that he was unable to comment on such matters as it was a decision made by the court.
