After 491 days in Russian custody, the US journalist reports on his experiences, the background to his arrest and the prisoner exchange.
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Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia in 2023 on espionage charges and released in 2024 as part of an international prisoner exchange.
Evan Gershkovich, 34, a former correspondent for the Wall Street Journal in Moscow, was arrested on March 29, 2023 and later sentenced to 16 years in prison for alleged espionage. He was released in August 2024 as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia, the USA and Germany.
Russian agents were exchanged for Gershkovich, several Russian opposition members and Germans, including Vadim Krassikov, who became known as the “Tiergarten murderer” and who murdered a Georgian in exile in Berlin in 2019. Gershkovich's book "This Cursed Beautiful Land" is published this week by DVA.
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli government officials are investigating suspicions of terrorism after reports emerged of an altercation in the cockpit and a possible knife attack.
After an extensive renovation costing around 51.5 million euros, the Quedlinburg Stiftsberg can be visited again in its entirety from this weekend. The castle museum opens with a festival on Saturday and, for the first time, allows a joint tour of the collegiate church and cathedral treasury.
Ukraine estimates the war costs for next year at 136 billion euros. Nightly Russian attacks on Kyiv and Sumy leave dead and injured. Meanwhile, Russia is increasing its defense spending.
Heavy monsoon rains and landslides have killed at least 34 people in Nepal. In neighboring India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, more than 80 people died. Avalanches also caused missing people and road closures.

The South Korean secret service estimates North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be extremely obese at over 140 kilograms. Because of its lifestyle and tobacco consumption, there is a high risk of cardiovascular disease, while the population suffers from food shortages.
More than 20 years after the start of the Iraq War, the last US soldiers have left the country. The Pentagon justified this with the military victory over IS, while experts warn of new risks and growing Iranian influence.