Journalist Evan Gershkovich Describes 'Luring' Moment Before 16-Month Russian Prison Sentence

US journalist Evan Gershkovich has described the moment he was "lured into a trap" by Russian agents, leading to his 16-month prison sentence. Gershkovich, 34, was arrested in 2023 and accused of espionage, but maintains the charges were fabricated. He was released as part of a high-profile prisoner swap deal.

Gershkovich was living in Russia since 2017, working as the Wall Street Journal's foreign correspondent in Moscow. He was meeting a source in Yekaterinburg when he was arrested by FSB agents.

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"I'm not interrogated, I'm not tortured… I'm accused of espionage," he said, describing a sense of relief: "They've set me up and fabricated this case so that I can be a valuable hostage - a pawn in a greater game".

Gershkovich was held in Moscow's infamous Lefortovo jail, where he described the experience as "really isolating". He was treated relatively well, with access to food and sleep, but said the isolation wore on him psychologically. "That wears on you psychologically," he said, but added that he was allowed to sleep and the food was fine.

Which included the release of Vadim Krasikov, an assassin serving a life sentence in Germany. He said he was relieved to be free, but acknowledged that the experience had a profound impact on him. "I would hope to get back one day, but I guess we'll have to see what comes after [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.

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And it's not completely clear that the next government will be any better."

Gershkovich has been living in Berlin, Germany, since his release. He has spoken publicly about his experience, including writing a book about his time in Russian prison. He has also spoken about the challenges of adjusting to life outside of Russia, including struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).