Evan Gershkovich Freed in Prisoner Swap

Journalist Returns Home After Months of Captivity

Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was detained in Russia for several months before being released in a prisoner exchange

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been freed in a prisoner swap with Russia, the newspaper reported Wednesday.

Gershkovich was detained in Russia in December 2022 while reporting on the war in Ukraine. He was charged with espionage, a charge that U.S. officials said was baseless.

The prisoner swap was negotiated by the United States and Russia, and it also included the release of Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who was detained in Russia in 2018.

Gershkovich's release has been welcomed by his family, friends, and colleagues. The Wall Street Journal said in a statement that it was "overjoyed" to have Gershkovich back home.

"Evan is a brave and dedicated journalist who was simply doing his job when he was unjustly detained in Russia," the newspaper said. "We are grateful to the U.S. government for its tireless efforts to secure his release."

Gershkovich's release is a reminder of the importance of press freedom. Journalists around the world face threats and intimidation for their work, and it is essential that governments protect their right to report on the news.