The U.S. ambassador to Russia recently met with Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter who has been detained unlawfully in the country for over a year.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow stated that Lynne Tracy spoke with Gershkovich, who was apprehended last year by Russia’s Federal Security Service while reporting in Yekaterinburg and is facing suspicion of espionage charges.
“Despite the ongoing wait for the beginning of his trial, Evan remains in good spirits, encouraged by the continued messages of support,” the embassy said.
The United States government has described the accusations against Gershkovich as fabricated, and American officials have pushed for his release.
The Journal reported senior Russian government officials recently acknowledged that its government had used a confidential channel to discuss prisoner exchanges with the U.S. government, which it noted could include Gershkovich.
The company stated in a message given to the newspaper that “every day Evan remains in prison increases the urgency for his release. We are grateful for the Ambassador’s ongoing support to monitor and ensure his well-being.”
The Journal recently moved the story from the front page of a print edition blank to focus on the first anniversary of Gershkovich’s detention.
