The United States has been making extensive efforts to secure the release of two other American citizens who are currently being held in Russia, as they are believed to be wrongfully detained.
Paul Whelan, a former Marine, has been held in custody in Russia since 2018 under allegations of espionage, a charge that both the United States and his family firmly believe to be baseless. In 2020, he was handed a 16-year prison sentence.
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In March 2023, Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, was detained on espionage charges. Despite claims from the U.S., his family, and his employer that the charges are unfounded, he remains in jail and is currently awaiting trial.
In December, the State Department revealed that Russia dismissed a “significant” proposal for the release of the prisoners.
The U.S. has been cautioning Americans against traveling to Russia for several months, and it had strongly advised U.S. citizens residing there to leave as soon as possible. A revised travel advisory issued in September stated that Americans visiting the country might be targeted “for detention by Russian government security officials,” and the U.S. Embassy had limited capacity to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Russia.
“We are fully committed to providing all necessary assistance to U.S. citizens who are detained abroad,” stated a spokesperson from the State Department on Monday. The statement confirmed that a U.S. citizen had been detained in Russia and emphasized the department’s dedication to aiding and supporting American citizens in such situations.”
The spokesperson emphasized the importance for U.S. citizens in Russia or those planning to travel to the country to depart without delay.
The spokesperson emphasized their concerns regarding the safety of Americans residing in Russia.
