STORY: U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich went on trial behind closed doors in a Russian court Wednesday (June 26) accused of spying.
Fellow journalists were allowed to briefly film the 32-year-old before the start of proceedings in the city of Yekaterinburg, where the FSB security service arrested him in March 2023.
Shaven-headed and smiling faintly, he nodded at colleagues from inside his glass box.
Prosecutors allege Gershkovich gathered secret information on the orders of the CIA; specifically about a company that manufactures tanks for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The closed trial could last several months. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 20 years.
Gershkovich, his newspaper the Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government all reject the allegations.
They say he was just doing his job as a reporter, accredited by Russia's Foreign Ministry.
President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is open to the idea of a prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich, and that contacts with the United States have taken place but they must remain secret.
U.S. officials in Yekaterinburg including Consul General Stuart Wilson had little information for reporters on Wednesday.
Reporter: "Have you managed to visit Evan here?"
Wilson: "Here? No, no, we have not. We put in a request. Prisoner exchanges are negotiated at a high level in Washington, so we're not involved with that."
Washington has accused Russia of conducting "hostage diplomacy."
It has designated Gershkovich and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, as "wrongfully detained" and says it is committed to bringing them home.
