Moscow Uses Detained Americans as Bargaining Chips For Renewed US–Russia Negotiations

Russia and the US have discussed the possibility of another prisoner exchange, according to Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev. A US official confirmed the talks but emphasized that no agreements have been reached yet, Axios reported on November 18.

At least eight Americans remain in Russian prisons, and bringing them home is a priority for President Trump. A potential swap could help improve relations between the two countries amid ongoing tensions over Russian invasion of Ukraine, Axios stated.

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Dmitriev, who visited the US in late October, mentioned that prisoner exchanges were discussed with US officials, including US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. While discussions were positive, the US official noted that no concrete plans have been made yet, according to Axios.

Among the eight Americans still detained in Russia are Marc Fogel, Ksenia Karelina, and other high-profile cases like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

The US has provided Russia with a list of Americans it seeks to have released, though the specifics of any potential exchange remain unclear.

Previously, it was reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new steps aimed at restarting international negotiations to help bring an end to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine on X.

Zelenskyy outlined diplomatic efforts planned for the coming days.

“Today, I am holding meetings in Spain that we have been preparing for quite some time. We expect that another strong country will increase its support – helping us protect lives and bring the end of the war closer,” Zelenskyy said.

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