Putin expresses hope for a solution to the problems involving the detained Americans, Gershkovich and Whelan

At his end-of-year news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow is in talks with the US about the arrest of Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. Even though Putin acknowledged the problems, he was hopeful about “finding a solution.”

This pool photograph distributed by Russia’s state agency Sputnik shows Russian President Vladimir Putin holding his year-end press conference at Gostiny Dvor exhibition hall in central Moscow on December 14, 2023. (Photo by Alexander KAZAKOV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Putin’s Comments on Americans in Detention

Putin’s words come after recent statements from the U.S. State Department that showed Russia turned down a “new and significant” plan to free the Americans. Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the State Department, talked about the many offers the U.S. has made and said that they hope Russia will change its mind.

Putin’s first year-end news gathering since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 is especially important. The talk about the arrested Americans is happening at a time when ties between the two countries are already tense.

In Russia, journalists from the Wall Street Journal and corporate security bosses Whelan, Gershkovich, and others have been charged with spying and could go to jail. A Moscow court recently turned down Gershkovich’s request to be freed, keeping him in jail until his trial starts on January 30, 2024.

READ ALSO: Putin says at news conference he hopes to “find a solution” on Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan

Putin’s View on the Ukraine Crisis

Putin said he was sure that Russia would win the war and was optimistic about its progress. He said that along the line of contact, Russian troops are making their posts stronger.

Putin declared that Russia is ready to carry on its operations in Ukraine without the necessity for further force mobilization, despite the country being subject to severe Western sanctions and international isolation.

The words came during Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts over the summer. Putin emphasized Russia’s resolve and said there was no need for more troops to be sent to the area.

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