Representative of the US National Security Council John Kirby called on the citizens of the United States to immediately leave the territory of Russia. The requirements apply, in particular, to American journalists.
In turn, the administration of US President Joe Biden continues to work on organizing a meeting with American journalist Evan Gershkovich detained in the Russian Federation. It is reported by CNN.
US officials said Russian authorities are making senseless accusations against the detained Wall Street Journal journalist. As you know, the Russian Federation accuses Gershkovich of “espionage”.
According to Kirby, the US was unable to obtain consular access to the journalist. Despite the demands of the American side, Russia prevents the access of the journalist.
“We were unable to get consular access and no one from our embassy was able to meet with him. Of course, we continue to work on this, and we will work until we get consular access to find out how he is doing,” Kirby said.
At the same time, he urged US citizens to refrain from traveling to Russia. Kirby stressed that the recommendations apply even to journalists working in the Russian Federation.
“Now is not the time for Americans to be in Russia. If you are in Russia right now, on business or pleasure, in any kind of travel, you need to leave now. This is not the best place for you, even if you work as a journalist. Russia is now hostile environment for American citizens. And it’s time to go if you’re there,” Kirby said.
Recall that Evan Gershkovich, a correspondent for the Moscow bureau of the Wall Street Journal, was detained in Yekaterinburg (RF), and the Lefortovo Court of Moscow arrested him on a case of espionage for 29 days and sent him to a pre-trial detention center.
Earlier it was reported that the US State Department urged American citizens to immediately leave Russia due to the arrest in Russia of The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich. The administration of President Joe Biden condemned the arrest and said it was “deeply concerned” by the incident.
The US administration called the accusations of “espionage” that the Russian Federation made against The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich unfounded. The American is under arrest in Moscow, where propagandists are trying to try him in a case labeled “top secret.”
