Putin seeks swap of FSB‑linked assassin for US journalist
Vladimir Putin is seeking the release of Vadim Krasikov, linked to the FSB. This move could potentially secure freedom for the US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been in Russian custody for a year, reports the BBC.
The BBC reminds us that Vadim Krasikov, a Russian affiliated with the FSB, was found guilty in Germany of assassinating a Chechen leader.
Zelimkhan Khangoshvili was murdered in broad daylight in Berlin by an individual on a bicycle equipped with a silenced Glock 26. The evidence overwhelmingly points to Krasikov undertaking this assassination under orders from Russian authorities. The operative was subsequently apprehended and received a life sentence.
In an interview with an American journalist who is pro-Russian, President Vladimir Putin appeared to verify the claims that Russia is pursuing Krasikov's release in a swap for Evan Gershkovich, as the BBC reports.
In March, it was a year since Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in Russia on charges of espionage.
Germany stands firm
According to the BBC, the most viable means of securing the American journalist's release appears to be a swap for the Russian operative. This would, however, necessitate collaboration among the US, Germany, and Russia.
Germany has not consented to such a proposal currently. The German judicial system firmly believes Krasikov acted under direct orders from the Kremlin.
Ulrich Lechte, a member of the Free Democratic Party, which forms part of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, emphasized that Germany "should not grant Russia this favour". He noted, "Putin's willingness is an overt confession and illustrates Russia's brazen operations within Germany."
Three members of the government's foreign affairs committee, contacted by the BBC, also expressed their opposition to releasing Krasikov.
Even if there was a political inclination to exchange the American journalist for the convicted murderer, experts spoken to by the BBC highlighted the absence of a legal framework in Germany that would facilitate such an arrangement.
