WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich may be released as part of prisoner exchange, Russian media reports

American journalist Evan Gershkovich may be released as part of a prisoner exchange, Russian media reports claim. 

The Wall Street Journal reporter could be among between 20 and 30 political prisoners exchanged with the nation, according to the Moscow Times. 

The deal is said to involve both the United States and Germany, with a source telling the Russian outlet that the exchange could be 'imminent.' 

It comes amid reported speculation inside Russia that a high-stakes prisoner exchange is in the works after notable prisoners were taken from their prisons and moved to an undisclosed location. 

According to the Russian outlet, other prisoners that could be part of the deal include people linked to Alexei Navalny, the political opponent of Vladimir Putin who was found dead in a prison camp in February. 

If reports of up to 30 prisoners being exchanged is true, it would be the largest prisoner swap between the United States and Russia since the end of the Cold War. 

According to the anonymous source, Russian authorities have made 'great efforts to keep the information inside Russia as much a secret as possible until the last moment.' 

The developments came as recently as Wednesday, when Kremlin military aircraft reportedly flew to isolated regions in Russia where political prisoners are being held. 

Gershkovich was detained in March 2023 on espionage charges that the United States says are illegitimate. 

He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July.