The espionage trial of US journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia is rapidly advancing towards closing arguments, held behind closed doors, with the Wall Street Journal denouncing it as a sham. Gershkovich, arrested in 2023 while reporting in Russia, faces up to 20 years in prison on espionage charges, which he and his employer vehemently deny. Speculation arises about a potential US-Russia prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich due to the trial's swift pace and closed-door nature. The trial's progression has drawn attention from US officials, emphasizing the urgency of securing Gershkovich's release, despite Russian claims of irrefutable evidence against him.