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US and Russian officials conduct a prisoner exchange in Abu Dhabi, UAE, exchanging American citizen Brittney Griner for Russian citizen Viktor Bout, 2022. Photo/Sputnik
WASHINGTON – The United States (US) is searching around the world for Russian citizens to use in a potential exchange involving former Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich.
The CNN report on Thursday (11/5/2023) cited three sources familiar with the matter. The two Americans are currently being held by Russia on espionage charges.
According to the outlet, the US is also “exploring narrow sanctions relief” to persuade Moscow to enter into a prisoner swap.
The White House approached several countries, including those holding suspected “Russian spies” in their custody, to determine whether they would be willing to participate in the exchange, according to CNN.
Brazil, Norway, Germany and an unnamed “former Soviet bloc” country were named among the governments contacted by the US about the possible exchange.
Russia’s ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, criticized the US last month for its “policy of going after Russians around the world.”
He cited estimates of more than 100 Russian citizens behind bars in the US, many of them on trumped-up charges.
“However, Washington does not currently have high-ranking Russian spies or other high-profile convicts in its custody that Moscow considers candidates for exchange,” the source told CNN.
Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in March and charged with espionage.
