Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump recently made a declaration on Truth Social regarding Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, stating that if he wins against President Biden in the November election, Gershkovich would be released from a Russian prison "almost immediately."
Trump's statement reads, "Evan Gershkovich, the Reporter from The Wall Street Journal, who is being held by Russia, will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office. He will be HOME, SAFE, AND WITH HIS FAMILY."
Trump says if he wins, Gershkovich will be freed fast https://t.co/mAkPNtBjiP
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 23, 2024
Additionally, Trump suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin would oversee Gershkovich's release without any expense to the United States.
However, Trump did not provide specifics on the mechanism or reasoning behind Putin's potential agreement to release Gershkovich. The journalist has been detained since March 2023 for alleged espionage while on assignment and has thus far been unsuccessful in securing his release.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Putin "has naturally not had contacts with Donald Trump," as reported by Reuters.
Both the U.S. government and The Wall Street Journal have condemned Gershkovich's detention and asserted his innocence.
Trump had previously voiced support for Gershkovich's release, expressing during an interview with Time magazine in April that while he has a good relationship with Putin, the reporter should be freed, and Trump believes he will be.
Trump's remarks regarding Gershkovich's potential release have generated discussions and attracted attention from political circles and the media.
