Topline: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to allowing the return of jailed U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, provided Washington engages in negotiations under certain conditions. In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Putin hinted at a potential prisoner swap with a convicted killer.
Key Facts:
- During the two-hour interview on Carlson’s X account, Putin restated the Kremlin’s accusations against Gershkovich, alleging attempts to access classified information and asserting U.S. authorities’ influence over him.
- Putin emphasized a willingness to resolve the issue, stating there was “no taboo” and that keeping Gershkovich in a Russian prison made little sense.
- The Russian President suggested Gershkovich’s release could occur if U.S. officials contribute to the goals pursued by Russian special services.
- Putin implied a potential swap involving a Russian man serving a life sentence in a German prison for the 2019 murder of a dissident in Berlin. Though not explicitly named, this figure aligns with Russian national Vadim Krasikov.
Key Background:
- In 2019, Vadim Krasikov assassinated Chechen dissident Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin, leading to a diplomatic dispute between Russia and Germany. Krasikov, convicted of “state-ordered murder,” received a life sentence.
- Putin, without directly naming Krasikov, referred to him as a Russian patriot carrying out the killing in a European capital, vehemently denying Russian government involvement.
- This demand for a prisoner exchange mirrors past incidents, such as the 2022 release of convicted arms dealer Victor Bout in exchange for WNBA star Brittney Griner, held in a Russian prison.
Tangent:
- The 2022 exchange involving Victor Bout, sentenced in 2011 for arms sales to the Colombian rebel group FARC, exemplifies Russia’s strategy of securing the release of high-profile individuals in return for imprisoned Americans. Bout’s global arms dealings earned him the moniker “The Merchant of Death,” inspiring the 2005 Hollywood film “Lord of War.”