text:  The trial of Evan Gershkovich got underway in Russia. Wall Street Journal reporter charged with espionage, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller says U.S. Embassy officials aren't allowed to even speak to Gershkovich. What happened today was a performance put on by Russian authorities to justify their repression of journalists and independent voices. The State Department calls the proceedings a farce. Russia has signaled the possibility of a prisoner swap, but says a verdict which could take months would have to come first.