Trump Said He Was the Only Person Who Could Convince Putin to Release Evan Gershkovich. He Was Wrong.
In May 2023, former President Donald Trump made bold claims regarding his ability to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to release journalist Evan Gershkovich, who had been detained in Russia on espionage charges. Trump confidently asserted on his social media platform Truth Social that Gershkovich would be freed "for me, but not for anyone else." However, in a stunning turn of events, it was President Joe Biden, not Trump, who successfully negotiated the release of Gershkovich, along with several other Americans in the largest prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War.
Trump’s Misplaced Confidence
Donald Trump’s proclamations came amid ongoing negotiations between the Biden administration and the Russian government regarding the release of multiple detainees. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was apprehended in March 2023, and his detainment sparked international outcry and concerted efforts for his release. Despite Trump's assertions that he could negotiate a successful resolution with Putin, the complexities of international diplomacy reveal a different reality.
On May 30th, in an anticipated statement, Trump predicted that "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.” His confidence seemed misplaced, as it came at a time when the Biden administration was actively working towards a resolution.
Biden’s Diplomatic Victory
President Biden announced the prisoners' release in early July 2023—the culmination of an intricate negotiation process that spanned various countries, showcasing the intricacies of modern diplomacy. The deal involved not just the liberation of Gershkovich but also the release of Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine wrongfully detained since 2018, and Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist, among others. In total, the United States successfully secured the release of 16 prisoners, a feat marking the largest prisoner exchange in decades.
Biden’s announcement revealed that the negotiations involved at least six countries—including Germany, Poland, Norway, and Turkey—highlighting the collaborative effort required to manage such sensitive international affairs. During a press conference, Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining ally relationships, stating, “This is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world."
The Kremlin’s Response
In the wake of Trump’s public assertions, the Kremlin responded decisively. A spokesperson for Putin indicated that there had been no direct contact between Trump and the Russian leadership, suggesting that Trump's claims were unfounded. Furthermore, the Biden campaign criticized Trump’s approach, referring to his comments as attempts to wield the situation for personal political gain, asserting, "For Donald Trump, these wrongfully imprisoned Americans are political weapons and props to use for his own gain."
A Critical Question
Biden's victory in securing Gershkovich’s release raises pivotal questions about Trump's claims and the realities of international politics. During the press conference announcing the swap, when confronted with Trump's assertion that only he could have secured such a deal with Putin, Biden posed a striking counter-question: “Why didn’t he do it when he was president?”
This rhetorical inquiry not only highlights the failed promises of Trump’s past statements but also underscores the complexities of foreign negotiations. It emphasizes that diplomacy is rarely a simple matter of persuasion; rather, it requires collaboration, trust, and often years of intricate negotiations to achieve success, factors that cannot be dictated by a single individual’s claims.
Conclusion
The contrasting narratives between Trump and Biden on this critical issue underscore the intricate landscape of international diplomacy. Trump's confident assertions of being able to sway Putin faltered in the face of Biden's successful negotiations, which realized the critical task of bringing home wrongfully detained individuals.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the events surrounding Evan Gershkovich not only serve as a reminder of the delicate nature of international relations but also highlight the need for strategic and collaborative approaches in addressing issues that involve state actors like Russia. In the end, it is clear: mere bravado does not equate to successful diplomacy.