The trial was over very quickly - after only three hearings, writes Sky's Ivor Bennett, fuelling speculation that a prisoner exchange involving the Wall Street Journal reporter could be afoot.
The verdict in Evan Gershkovich's trial was no surprise, given the conviction rate of Russian courts - 99% of defendants are found guilty here. But that doesn't make this any less significant. It is a major moment that underlines just how low relations have sunk between Russia and the US. The last time an American reporter was accused of espionage here was nearly four decades ago, back in 1986. It was the height of the Cold War.
It was the look of resignation - he was at the mercy of Russia's legal system. Read more:Zelenskyy asks Starmer to 'show leadership' on UkraineNew UK fighter jet could be axed in defence review We do not know what was said during the trial because it was behind closed doors, held in secret. No media were allowed in. Not even family. So we don't know what evidence was produced against him, if indeed there was any.
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