The administration of US President Joe Biden is looking for Russian spies in prisons around the world to try to offer Russia to exchange them for Americans Evan Hershkovich and Paul Whelan. CNN writes about this, citing three sources familiar with the situation. According to them, there are no Russian spies currently in US custody who could arouse Russia's interest, which is why the White House has to seek outside help.
US representatives are also addressing those countries where there are no Russians in custody. The Americans are counting on them to induce the Kremlin to release Gershkovich and Whelan. In addition, the White House is considering easing some sanctions. Among the states with which the United States discussed the issue of a potential exchange are Brazil, Norway and the countries of the former Soviet bloc. Vadim Krasikov, a former Russian intelligence colonel, is in custody in Germany. It is believed that Russia wants to return it in the first place.
Gershkovich is a journalist for The Wall Street Journal, who was detained in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of espionage and collecting information constituting a “state secret”. In the Urals, Gershkovich was collecting information for a material about the Wagner PMC. On March 30, 2023, the Lefortovo Court in Moscow arrested him until May 29.
Former Marine Whelan was detained in 2018. He was accused of collecting information about employees of one of the departments of the economic security service of the FSB. In 2020, Whelan was convicted of espionage. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison. The American is serving time in IK-17 in Mordovia.