Russian prosecutors have announced that the espionage indictment against American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been finalized, and he will stand trial in Yekaterinburg, Russia. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. The U.S. government has denied the charges and designated him as "wrongfully detained." There have been suggestions of a potential prisoner swap, with President Putin stating that Russian and American intelligence agencies are in contact on the matter. Mr. Gershkovich's case is seen as a reflection of the strained relations between Russia and the U.S. due to the Ukraine conflict. The accusations against him involve collecting secret information about a weapons factory, but no evidence has been presented. The defense has no means to challenge the assertions made by Russian security services. The trial could be expedited depending on secret talks for a potential prisoner exchange. This case, along with others involving American nationals detained in Russia, has raised concerns about the Kremlin using them as bargaining chips.