U.S.-Russia contacts on possible prisoner swap continuing - State Dept

WASHINGTON. Sept 7 (Interfax) - U.S. and Russian representatives are continuing negotiations on a possible prisoner exchange, and the conclusion of John Sullivan's tenure as U.S. ambassador to Russia has had no impact on that, the U.S. Department of State said on Tuesday.

"No, those conversations and engagements continue to be ongoing," U.S. Department of State spokesperson Vedant Patel said when asked whether Sullivan's departure from Moscow has disrupted the sides' prisoner swap talks.

"I will reiterate that the U.S. Government continues to urge Russia to release wrongfully detained individuals Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan," Patel said.

The U.S. made "a substantial proposal" on this issue several weeks ago, he said.