2024-08-04 00:19:52
WSJ Reporter Arrested on Spy Charges
Chechen Killer Involves Russian Intelligence Agent
Likely to affect the US presidential election in November
Trump raises questions about whether he gave money to Russia
“I’m home.”
At 11:30 p.m. on the 1st (local time), at the Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s, Maryland, USA. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich, who had been arrested on espionage charges while reporting in Russia and had been incarcerated since March of last year, returned to his homeland after 491 days. He hugged his mother and gave her a heartfelt hug. He also greeted US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who came to the airport in person.
On this day, 16 people were released from prison in Russia, including three Americans including journalist Gershkovich, one American permanent resident, five Germans, and seven Russian opposition figures. In return, the West also returned eight people to Russia, including Vadim Krasikov, an agent of the Russian Federal Intelligence Service (FSB), who was sentenced to life imprisonment and imprisoned in a German prison after publicly murdering a Chechen in broad daylight in Berlin, Germany. The two sides exchanged prisoners in Turkey. It was the first time since the Cold War that a large-scale prisoner exchange had taken place between the West and Russia.
In particular, it is known that Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is also a former intelligence agent, personally designated Krasikov as a target for exchange. The negotiations involved not only the US, Germany, and Russia, but also Turkey, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Belarus. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and others persuaded German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to participate in the negotiations. Former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, who interviewed President Putin in February, also suggested that the president release him, the WSJ reported.
This prisoner exchange could have an impact on the US presidential election in November. President Biden, who has emphasized diplomacy that prioritizes alliances throughout his term, said, “I am grateful to our allies who have joined us in difficult negotiations. Alliances make Americans safe.” This is interpreted as a remark aimed at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who emphasizes “America First,” such as pressuring allies to increase defense spending.
Vice President Harris, who is virtually certain to be the Democratic presidential nominee, also agreed with President Biden’s remarks, saying, “It shows how important it is to have a president who understands the power of diplomacy and the importance of strengthening alliances.”
On the other hand, candidate Trump raised the possibility that the Biden administration paid money to Russia. He claimed on the social media ‘TrueSocial’, “I got several hostages back (during my term) and I didn’t give anything to the other country.” He also expressed his displeasure by asking, “Are we giving them (Russia) cash? Are we releasing murderers or thugs?” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan countered, “We didn’t give money to Russia or ease sanctions.”
Reporter Lee Ki-wook [email protected]
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2024-08-04 00:19:52