The U.S. State Department reported it earlier this month, without offering details, and said Russia rejected it. “We have contacts on this matter with our American partners, there’s a dialogue on this issue. Analysts have pointed out that Moscow may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips after U.S.-Russian tensions soared when Russia sent troops into Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry has said it will consider a swap for Gershkovich only after a verdict in his trial. In Russia, espionage trials can last for more than a year.

Source: Wall Street Journal December 14, 2023 10:58 UTC