Inside the secret negotiations to free WSJ’s Evan Gershkovich with spies crossing continents for Cold War-style negotiations

Today is a day of joy for the safe return of our colleague Evan Gershkovich, who left a Russian plane moments ago in the Turkish capital, Ankara, as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia.

It’s a joyous day for Evan’s family, friends and colleagues, who have worried about him and supported him over the past 16 months.

It’s a day of joy for the millions of supporters in the US and around the world who supported Evan and defended a free press.

And it is a day of joy for the families and friends of the other unjustly detained American and German citizens who have returned home, and for the Russian political prisoners who have been released to the West.

The fact that this was done in exchange for Russian agents guilty of serious crimes was predictable as the only solution, given President Putin’s cynicism. We are grateful to President Biden and his administration for working with persistence and determination to bring Evan home rather than have him sent to a Russian labor camp for a crime he did not commit.

We are also grateful to the other governments who helped put an end to Evan’s nightmare, in particular the German government who played such a critical role.

We know that the US government is acutely aware, as we are, that the only way to avoid an accelerated cycle of detaining innocent people as pawns in cynical geopolitical games is to remove the incentive for Russia and other nations to pursue the same practice. detestable. The ordeal of Evan and the other returnees – along with that of Americans still unjustly detained around the world – demonstrates the urgent need for a change in dynamics to prevent the future capture of innocent hostages.

But for now, we’re celebrating Evan’s return. As we waited for this important day, we were determined to speak as loudly as we could on Evan’s behalf. We are so grateful for all the voices that were raised when his was silent. We can finally say, in unison, “Welcome home, Evan.”

It was an honor to meet Evan’s family – Ella, Mikhail, Danielle and Anthony – and we were amazed at their willingness, courage and wisdom under such pressure. We can imagine and share your joy and relief at the return of your son and brother.

I’m proud of the way the WSJ newsroom and Dow Jones responded to a call from a colleague in extreme distress. Now we and Evan’s many friends in the media and elsewhere can celebrate his return to freedom.

All those who defended Evan and worked for his release – the U.S. and allied governments, Congress, the media industry, Journal readers, supporters of a free press, opponents of arbitrary detention, those who were moved for the plight of a young American journalist behind bars – you can know that your support has made a huge difference and is very, very appreciated.

My greatest thanks, however, must go to Evan himself.

The false case against him represented many significant things. A blow against press freedom. A warning to foreign journalists covering the Kremlin. A new tension in America’s relations with Russia.

But at the center of it all was Evan, our 32-year-old Moscow correspondent from New Jersey, who likes to cook and supports Arsenal Football Club, and who loved living in and reporting on Russia.

He was our inspiration, the galvanizing force. We saw him handle his absurd situation with strength, composure, humor and a “heart sign” behind the walls of the glass courtroom cage. Along the way, we learn about his life and story and understand why he is loved by so many.

Now that Evan is home, we plan to give him all the time and space he needs to heal, reconnect, and reflect on the next steps in his life and career. We will be there with him and his family. And we look forward to seeing you in the newsroom when you’re ready.

I want to close by once again thanking all those who helped bring him home and rejoicing that Evan and his fellow ex-offenders are reunited with their families.

We are with them all,

Emma Tucker