Former President Trump promised he would ensure Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s swift release from Russian captivity should he be elected in November.

Gershkovich, 32, was found guilty of espionage by a Russian court Friday and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum security penal colony — a ruling his employers at the Journal blasted as “a disgraceful sham conviction.”

Former President Trump said only he can secure the release of Evan Gershkovich. truthsocial/@realDonaldTrump

Gershkovich has held in Russia on trumped up charges of espionage. AP

Trump promised the matter would be a Day 1 priority for him.

“Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was just sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Russian Court. Biden will NEVER GET HIM OUT, unless he pays a ‘king’s ransom.’” Trump thundered on Truth Social. “I will get him out FOR NO COMPENSATION immediately following our victory on November 5th, and it will be my great honor to do so.”

“Vote for TRUMP, and The Wall Street Journal should STOP BEING STUPID!!!” he added.

A Russian court sentenced Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in a penal colony. AFP via Getty Images

Gershkovich has already been incarcerated in Russia for about 16 months, in the country’s infamous Lefortovo Prison, home to serial killers and political prisoners.

Most world leaders and international observers believe the charges against him are trumped up and that he is being used by Russian leader Vladimir Putin as an act of political retaliation over the United States’ support of Ukraine.

Former President Trump also demanded better treatment from Gershkovich’s employer — the Wall Street Journal. AP

“As I have long said and as the UN also concluded, there is no question that Russia is wrongfully detaining Evan. Journalism is not a crime. We will continue to stand strong for press freedom in Russia and worldwide, and stand against all those who seek to attack the press or target journalists,” President Biden said in a statement after the verdict Friday.