Russia announced on Wednesday that it is awaiting a response from the United States regarding its proposals for a prisoner swap, just days before US journalist Evan Gershkovich’s trial in Russia.

Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in March 2023 on espionage charges, which his family, employer, and the White House have denounced as false.

In February, President Vladimir Putin mentioned that discussions for a prisoner swap involving Gershkovich were in progress, but the Kremlin has not provided any updates on the negotiations.

“The ball is in the United States’ court; we are waiting for their response to our proposals,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with Russia’s TASS news agency.

He added, “The relevant US authorities are aware of these proposals. If something doesn’t suit them, that’s their issue.”

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Gershkovich’s trial is set for June 26 in Yekaterinburg, where he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Washington has accused Moscow of detaining US citizens on baseless charges to use them as leverage for the release of Russians held abroad.

Other US nationals detained in Russia include reporter Alsu Kurmasheva, held for not registering as a “foreign agent,” a charge her employers call politically motivated.

Former US Marine Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges and serving a 16-year sentence, hopes to be included in any potential prisoner exchange.