The Kremlin said on Monday that there had been contacts with the United States about a possible prisoner swap involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, but that they should stay away from the media, reports "Reuters".
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov quoted President Vladimir Putin's comments earlier this month at a meeting with senior editors of international news agencies. Putin then said that Russia and the US were in contact on the matter.
"I want to remind again about the conversation of the president with the heads of the news agencies in St. Petersburg - he confirmed that he had such contacts," said Peskov.
"They are continuing, but must continue to be conducted in complete silence...Therefore, no announcements, statements or information can be provided on this matter."
When asked why the espionage case against Gershkovic should be conducted behind closed doors, Peskov said he could not comment on such matters, as it was a court decision.
"This is a court decision. We cannot comment on it," said Peskov.
The 32-year-old journalist from the "Wall Street Journal" was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on March 29, 2023 in Yekaterinburg on espionage charges that could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Gerskovich has repeatedly denied the accusations.