In a diplomatic setback, the United States has announced that Russia has turned down a “substantial” proposal aimed at securing the release of Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan, both currently imprisoned in Russia on charges of espionage.
“We have made a number of proposals, including a substantial one in recent weeks,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Tuesday.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller addressed reporters on Tuesday, revealing that the rejected proposal was part of a series of efforts made by the United States to negotiate the release of the two Americans.
While Miller refrained from disclosing specific details of the proposal, he emphasized its significance in the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“They never should have been arrested in the first place. They should be released immediately,” Miller said.
“There is no prior higher priority for the secretary of state. There is no higher priority for the president.”
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