The US has accused Russia of using journalist Danny Fenster and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, as bargaining chips, designating both as “wrongfully detained” and vowing to bring them home. The US Embassy asserts that Russian authorities have failed to provide evidence supporting the charges against Fenster, nor explained why his journalistic work is considered a crime.
GERSHKOVICH ALLEGED TO HAVE RESEARCHED TANK MAKER
Fenster’s trial is underway in Yekaterinburg, 1400km east of Moscow, where he was arrested in March 2023. The Wall Street Journal has refrained from commenting on the purpose of his reporting trip or the specific accusation that he was investigating a tank manufacturer for Russia’s operations in Ukraine.
Despite the risks, Fenster, alongside a few other Western journalists, chose to remain in Russia to continue reporting after many organizations withdrew their staff following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
Russia initially stated that any potential exchange would only occur after trial proceedings. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov emphasized the need for secrecy in negotiations with the US regarding a possible deal.