Russia calls prisoner swap talks delicate, accuses US of leaks

Sensitive negotiations over a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington continue, with accusations that the US side leaked details to the media. Russia rejected a new proposal for the release of Paul Whelan, a former US marine serving a 16-year sentence for spying in Russia, and US reporter Evan Gershkovich, awaiting trial on espionage charges. Both men deny being spies and are designated as wrongfully detained by the US. Contacts about possible exchanges are conducted by the intelligence services of both countries, but leaks from the White House complicate matters.