Overview

• Evan Gershkovich has been detained in Russia for over 15 months on espionage charges deemed baseless by the U.S.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed contacts regarding a potential prisoner swap but emphasized confidentiality.
• Hostage expert Hugh Dugan views the Kremlin's acknowledgment as a sign of progress in negotiations.
• The Wall Street Journal continues to demand Gershkovich's immediate release, calling the charges against him false and outrageous.
• Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, with his trial set to take place in Yekaterinburg.