The Russian authorities said on Thursday that they had detained an American journalist for The Wall Street Journal and accused him of espionage, marking a new escalation in Moscow’s tensions with the United States and with foreign media organizations since its invasion of Ukraine.
The journalist, Evan Gershkovich, a correspondent based in Moscow, is believed to be the first American reporter to be held as an accused spy in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
His detention comes as relations between Russia and the United States continue to deteriorate, with Washington leading a coalition of nations supporting Ukraine’s military defense and pushing for Moscow’s further diplomatic and economic isolation.
Hours later, the Kremlin endorsed Mr. Gershkovich’s arrest.
“We’re not talking about suspicions,” Dmitri S. Peskov, spokesman for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, said, adding, “He was caught red-handed.” Mr. Peskov said he could not provide further details.
Persons:
Evan Gershkovich, Gershkovich “, ”, “ We’re, ” Dmitri S, Peskov, Vladimir V, Putin, ” Mr
Organizations:
Wall Street Journal, Soviet Union, Washington, Russian Federal Security Service, Kremlin
Locations:
American, United States, Ukraine, Moscow, Russia, Soviet, Yekaterinburg