"Putin Pursues Prisoner Exchange Talks with US for Gershkovich and Whelan"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in a prisoner swap for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan, but stated that talks with the US have been challenging and any deal must be on his terms. Putin confirmed ongoing contacts with the US regarding the issue and emphasized the need for a mutually acceptable agreement. Gershkovich, who has been held since March 2021, had his pre-trial detention extended until January 30, 2022. Whelan, convicted of spying in 2020, is serving a 16-year sentence. Both the US and the Biden Administration consider their detention to be wrongful.