Overview

• President Biden acknowledged the wrongful detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan in Russia during his State of the Union address.
• Gershkovich, detained on espionage charges nearly a year ago, and Whelan, serving a 16-year sentence, are considered unjustly held.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at a possible prisoner swap for Gershkovich, with discussions ongoing through special services channels.
• Gershkovich's parents, invited guests at the State of the Union, continue to advocate for their son's release, highlighting bipartisan support for press freedom.
• The U.S. State Department has declared Gershkovich wrongfully detained, amidst calls for his immediate release and return to journalism.