White House condemns Russia’s arrest of an American journalist

President Joe Biden called on Russia to release an American Wall Street Journal reporter it arrested this week on claims of espionage. Russia has not released any evidence that caused the espionage suspicions.

CNN asked Biden about the situation with journalist Evan Gershkovich and what he would say to Russia, and Biden responded, “Let him go.”

According to The Washington Post, the State Department is “actively working to secure consular access” and has been in “direct touch with the Russian government.”

With the arrest, the White House is urging Americans living in Moscow to leave the country. John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said that while he recognizes the risks for American journalists in Russia, “it doesn’t change our deep concern about Americans being in Russia,” per CNN.On Thursday, Russia’s Federal Security Service detained Gershkovich, saying he “is suspected of spying for the American government,” per the Post.