WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich and Ex-Marine Paul Whelan Released by Russia in Multi-Country Prisoner Swap

Aug 1, 2024, 11:45 AM

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia in March 2023 on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison, has been released as part of a major multi-country prisoner swap. The exchange involves Russia, Belarus, the United States, Germany, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. Former US Marine Paul Whelan, who was also detained in Russia, has been released as part of the same deal. Gershkovich and Whelan are expected to return to the United States soon. The details of the prisoners released by the United States and its allies are not yet disclosed.