A Kremlin spokesperson offered a detached response to Donald Trump’s recent assertions regarding his rapport with Vladimir Putin.
The former US president claimed on social media that, if re-elected, he would leverage his relationship with Putin to secure the release of a US journalist.
Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal has been detained in a Russian prison for over a year on espionage charges.
On Truth Social, Trump—currently campaigning to defeat US President Joe Biden in November—stated: “Evan Gershkovich, the Reporter from The Wall Street Journal, who is being held by Russia, will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office.
“He will be HOME, SAFE, AND WITH HIS FAMILY.
“Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me, but not for anyone else, and WE WILL BE PAYING NOTHING!”
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded more reservedly about Putin and Trump’s relationship.
He remarked, “Naturally, Putin has no contact with Donald Trump.”
In February, Putin raised eyebrows by expressing a preference for Biden—who has labeled Putin a “killer”—to win the next US election.
During his presidency, Trump and Putin seemed to enjoy a strong rapport, with Trump often praising the authoritarian leader.
Now, the Kremlin appeared to downplay any special connection, emphasizing that US-Russia discussions should occur “in complete silence” and secrecy.
Peskov stated, “As for communication on the issue of persons in custody, convicts, we reiterate that such talks must be conducted in complete silence and in an absolutely covert manner. This is the only way to make them effective.”
Gershkovich has been detained in Russia since March 2023. He denies all spying charges and has the support of his newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, and the Biden administration.
Trump has previously claimed he could end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of returning to the White House but has not provided any details on how.
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