Fate of Americans Detained in Russia Remains Uncertain Despite Prisoner Swaps
• A growing number of Americans like journalists, executives, and dual nationals are being detained in Russia on charges like espionage and drug offenses.
• The U.S. accuses Russia of targeting its citizens and using them as political bargaining chips, but Russia says they broke local laws.
• Some like Brittney Griner and Trevor Reed have been released in prisoner swaps, but talks are unclear for others like Marc Fogel.
• Designating detainees as "wrongfully detained" can help negotiate their release, but success depends on U.S.-Russia relations.
• The fate of detainees ultimately lies with Putin; the U.S. says it will continue efforts to bring people like Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan home.