An American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal has been charged with spying in Russia, a move that is likely to worsen the diplomatic feud between Moscow and Washington over the conflict in Ukraine.
Evan Gershkovich, who has worked in Russia for six years, was arrested in Yekaterinburg and brought to Moscow, where he was ordered to be held in pre-trial detention until May 29.
The White House has called for his release, and the newspaper has denied the allegations against him. The case could further isolate Russia and deter foreign journalists from working there.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported that Russian forces have made gains inside the eastern city of Bakhmut, which has become the site of intense street fighting.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused significant destruction and displacement, with tens of thousands of people believed to have died. The conflict has led to the outlawing of independent news outlets in Russia, and journalism has been restricted by laws that impose long sentences for any public criticism of the war.
