Hostage expert pleased Russia even mentioned possible prisoner swap for WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich

Russia admitting that negotiations to bring imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich home have taken place — even if they must be "conducted in complete silence" — is a step in the right direction, according to former acting Hostage Affairs envoy Hugh Dugan.

Gershkovich, the American-born son of Soviet immigrants, has spent nearly 15 months detained in Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo Prison on dubious spying charges.

Dugan, who was acting Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs under former President Trump...