US Journalist Evan Gershkovich Espionage Trial in Russia

The espionage trial of US journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia is rapidly advancing towards closing arguments, held behind closed doors, with the Wall Street Journal denouncing it as a sham. Gershkovich, arrested in 2023 while reporting in Russia, faces up to 20 years in prison on espionage charges, which he and his employer vehemently deny. Speculation arises about a potential US-Russia prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich due to the trial's swift pace and closed-door nature. The trial's progression has drawn attention from US officials, emphasizing the urgency of securing Gershkovich's release, despite Russian claims of irrefutable evidence against him.