This was announced by Assistant to the President of Russia Yuri Ushakov in an interview for the program "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" on the TV channel "Russia 1".

"Some contacts exist, but not periodically. From time to time," Ushakov said.

According to Ushakov, there are diplomatic contacts between the Russian Foreign Ministry and the American embassy, as well as between the State Department and the Russian embassy in the United States.

"Exchanges are discussed through special channels, also from time to time," Ushakov replied to a question about the discussion of the exchange of prisoners.

Earlier, White House spokesman John Kirby said that the United States is exploring various options for the return of fellow citizens Paul Whelan and Evan Hershkovich who are in prison.