Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan freed in Russia prisoner swap

WSJ reporter and former US Marine among 16 prisoners released

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is among 16 prisoners released from Russia in a prisoner swap, the Biden administration announced Wednesday.

Long road to freedom

Gershkovich, who was detained in December 2021 on charges of espionage, was finally able to return home after months of negotiations between the US and Russia.

In a statement, Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker said, "Today is a great day for Evan and his family, and for the Journal." She added, "We are grateful to all those who worked to secure his release."

Gershkovich, who was raised in the United States by Soviet emigre parents, had been working in Russia for the Journal since 2016.

Also released in the swap was Paul Whelan, a former US Marine who was arrested in Russia in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges.