The Wall Street Journal advocates for a change in US policy regarding hostage takers following the release of Gershkovich: "Pay the price."

The Wall Street Journal is advocating for a stronger U.S. policy stance against hostage takers following the release of their reporter, Evan Gershkovich, from Russia.

The release of Gershkovich has brought relief and gratitude from the paper's editorial board, but beneath that lies an "ugly truth": Russia and other "thuggish regimes" take hostages because it works.

The board stated that Mr. Putin has not suffered any consequences for imprisoning Mr. Gershkovich, and that he can disregard the negative publicity. Additionally, he has obtained the release of his spies and an assassin. The release of Vadim Krasikov allows him to inform his killers that even if they are captured abroad, he has a plan to secure their release.

U.S. policymakers face a "terrible quandary" when a hostage is taken, as it can be challenging for a president to disregard their well-being. The board recommended a more effective strategy: to discourage hostage takers by making it clear that they will face consequences for imprisoning Americans.

The board queried why the Biden administration did not detain any Russian or expel any Russian journalists following Gershkovich's abduction.

The board stated that the global view of U.S. weakness has negative impacts on press freedom and Americans abroad.

The Wall Street Journal predicted that in the future, more Americans will be held captive.

Hostage takers will test any new President, including Donald Trump and Kamala Harris next year. Despite this, Evan's release brings us great joy. Leaders must carefully consider how to prevent innocent hostages in the future.

On Thursday morning, a senior administration official confirmed to Planet Chronicle that Gershkovich and American veteran Paul Whelan were moved to U.S. custody following a massive swap of political prisoners involving the U.S. and Russia. Additionally, Alsu Kurmasheva, another American citizen, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, a green card holder, were also freed.

On March 29, 2023, Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip and accused of espionage. The Biden administration declared him "wrongfully detained," and both The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government strongly denied the charges, calling them absurd.

In December 2022, Russia exchanged basketball player Brittney Griner for arms dealer Viktor Bout, with Griner being sentenced to nine years in prison for smuggling and possessing cannabis. As in Gershkovich's case, Griner's harsh sentence was seen as Russia taking an American hostage to gain leverage over the U.S.

This report was contributed to by David Rutz, Brian Flood, and Timothy H.J. Nerozzi of Planet Chronicle.