The United States has condemned the detention of American journalist, Evan Gershkovich, by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in the eastern city of Yekaterinburg. The Wall Street Journal has confirmed that he is not a spy.
According to reports, Gershkovich was detained earlier on Thursday by FSB officials. The reason for his detainment remains unclear at this time.
In response to the incident, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price issued a statement condemning the detention and calling for Gershkovich's immediate release:
"The United States strongly condemns Russia's detention of American journalist Evan Gershkovich," said Price. "We call on Russian authorities to immediately release him and allow him to return home safely."
Gershkovich is currently based in Moscow and reports on business news for various publications including The Wall Street Journal.
In a statement issued late Thursday, The Wall Street Journal said that it had been in contact with Russian authorities regarding Gershkovich’s detainment and can confirm that he is not a spy:
"We are aware that our Moscow-based reporter Evan Gershkovich has been detained by Russian authorities," read the statement. "We have been assured by Mr. Gershkovitch himself and his family members that he is not a spy."
Meanwhile, tensions continue to flare between Ukraine and Russia as fighting continues in eastern Ukraine despite ceasefire agreements being signed last year.
This latest incident involving an American journalist will likely further strain relations between Russia and Western nations who have already imposed sanctions against Moscow over its actions towards Ukraine.
Updates regarding this developing story will be provided as more information becomes available.