Following the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of espionage, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged American citizens to leave Russia promptly. In a formal statement, he emphasized the ongoing danger to U.S. nationals on Russian soil and urged those residing there to depart immediately, adding that those planning travel there should reconsider their plans. The message reflected Washington’s concern over the Kremlin’s handling of journalists and civil society representatives, and it affirmed that the White House is coordinating with Gershkovich’s employers to ensure any necessary support is available.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later confirmed that the State Department was in direct contact with Russian officials regarding Gershkovich’s detention and his access to consular services. She condemned Moscow’s actions and stressed that the persecution of American citizens is unacceptable, underscoring the United States’ insistence on due process and safe, lawful treatment for all Americans abroad.
Gershkovich, who had spent six years reporting in Russia, was detained by the FSB on March 29 in Yekaterinburg. The FSB alleged that, under instructions from the American side, he collected information containing state secrets related to a military-industry enterprise. They claimed the arrest occurred while he attempted to obtain classified data. Russian officials described the arrest as a clear, hands-on catch. Journalists familiar with his work suggested he was gathering material regarding public sentiment toward the Wagner Group and its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a line of inquiry that has been partially corroborated by a regional legislator who spoke with Gershkovich the day prior to the arrest.
That legislator, Vyacheslav Wegner, indicated that Gershkovich wished to discuss with supporters the stance on special operations and humanitarian aid to the Russian armed forces, as well as the activities of Wagner. He recalled that Gershkovich asked about Prigozhin’s involvement and about how industrial enterprises had been redirected in the context of Russia’s broader security operations. The Russian Foreign Ministry argued that Gershkovich’s work bore little relation to journalism, noting that foreign correspondents sometimes use journalism credentials to conceal non-journalistic activity. A spokesperson described the situation as another instance of foreigners being handled in a manner inconsistent with their stated roles in the press.
On March 30, Gershkovich was moved from the courtroom in Lefortovo to detention in Moscow for two months, facing charges under a provision of the Criminal Code that could carry a lengthy prison term. The materials of the case remain classified, and Gershkovich has not admitted guilt. Russian officials have stated there are no obstacles to issuing visas to foreign journalists, including those from the United States, though they noted that formal communication about Gershkovich’s case with Washington has been limited. In recent public remarks, senior Russian officials indicated that swapping prisoners with Russians detained in the United States is not currently on the table, even as Western outlets and social channels speculated about potential prisoner exchanges.
National Security Council officials in Washington indicated that the administration had briefed President Joe Biden on the situation and that the government continues to engage with Gershkovich’s employer and his family. They made clear that this incident does not translate into a broad admonition for American media to withdraw from Russia. The message remained: organizations with on-the-ground reporting responsibilities must weigh safety considerations, but there is no blanket directive to abandon work in Moscow or other parts of the country.
As developments continued, Russian authorities noted that consular access for Gershkovich had been granted at the American side’s request. Washington indicated that it would take time to secure full consular interaction, with preparations underway for meetings between Gershkovich and U.S. diplomats. The evolving situation signaled ongoing tension between the two nations as they navigates consular rights, media freedom, and the safety of journalists stationed abroad. American officials stressed that while the immediate focus is on Gershkovich, there remains a broader commitment to the protection of journalists and the right to access reliable information under international norms.