The United States has confirmed that discussions have taken place with Russia regarding the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. However, there is no clear resolution at this time. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that he met with Gershkovich’s family and representatives from the newspaper to discuss the case and the administration’s efforts to secure his release. The Kremlin also acknowledged the discussions but emphasized that they should remain private. Gershkovich, who was arrested in March on suspicion of espionage, is the first U.S. journalist to be detained in Russia since the Cold War. The U.S. government considers his detention to be wrongful and is committed to bringing him home. Another American citizen, Paul Whelan, who was arrested in 2018 on espionage charges, also remains imprisoned in Russia despite previous attempts at a prisoner swap. The U.S. government continues to press for Whelan’s release and is prepared to take necessary steps to bring its citizens home.