Trump insists Russia would free WSJ reporter if he wins in November

Presumptive GOP 2024 presidential nominee Donald Trump vowed Thursday that if he wins the presidency in November, Russia would free Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich shortly after the election. 

"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," Trump posted on TRUTH Social. 

Gershkovich was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service on espionage charges in March of 2023.

He was accused of "acting on the instructions of the American side" and gathering secrets about the Russian military.

The Wall Street Journal says Gershkovich was wrongly detained for doing his job as a journalist.

"He will be HOME, SAFE, AND WITH HIS FAMILY," Trump's post continued. "Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me, but not for anyone else, and WE WILL BE PAYING NOTHING!"