A Russian deputy foreign minister said that talks with the US on a potential prisoner exchange that would free Americans held in Russia are hampered by publicity and an alleged disparity in the US negotiating stance.

The US State Department said last week that Russia rejected several proposals for freeing Paul Whelan, an American convicted of espionage, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in March and is facing espionage charges. Both cases have attracted substantial media attention.