Washington: Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to do one “major thing” for him, as the presidential elections inch closer.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he will use his ties with the Russian President to release Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street journalist, from a Russian jail.
Gershkovich has been jailed in Russia on spying charges for more than a year. The charges have been denied by the Joe Biden administration.
“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,” Trump wrote on his own social media platform.
“Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me, but not for anyone else, and WE WILL BE PAYING NOTHING!” He added.
Reacting to Trump's statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian President has “naturally not had contacts with Donald Trump”, according to media reports.
Any discussion with the US regarding a prisoner exchange must take place "in complete silence" and absolute discretion."
Trump had once claimed he could stop the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of returning to the White House.
Meanwhile, the trial against Trump in New York in connection with hush money payments to an adult film star saw a chaotic day this week, in which the presiding judge cleared the jury and the press from the courtroom and admonished a witness.
The public prosecutor's office in New York accuses Trump of wanting to improve his chances of success in the 2016 presidential election by paying $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The payment itself was not illegal. However, Trump is said to have manipulated documents when reimbursing the amount to lawyer Michael Cohen in order to conceal the true reason for the transaction, making the payments illegal campaign financing.
Trump, who is campaigning to win re-election in November as the Republican Party candidate, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence.
