Russia Rejects US Offer to Release Jailed Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan

Russia has rejected a proposal from the United States to secure the release of detained journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been held in a Russian prison for over 250 days. Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was arrested and charged with espionage. The US State Department spokesperson revealed that a "substantial" offer was rejected by Russia, but did not provide further details. Gershkovich's case could take over a year, and there were expectations that a prisoner swap could secure his release, similar to the release of other Americans in the past.