A spy charge, a Russian jail and a swap for an assassin: the story of Evan Gershkovich

The Guardian· Oct 19, 2026· 25m 6s

American journalist Evan Gershkovich talks about his arrest by the Russian intelligence services in 2023, his 16-month detention, and the swap deal that eventually took him home. Get in touch at tif.questions@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

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Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
0:00
Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
0:04
We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
0:09
The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
0:14
Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
0:19
Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
0:24