Washington condemns detention of WSJ journalist in Russia, calls on US citizens to leave Russia immediately

This is stated in a statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The White House strongly condemned the detention of Mr. Gershkovich, as well as the Russian government's continued repression of journalists and press freedom.

"Last night, White House and State Department Officials spoke with Mr. Gershkovich’s employer, the Wall Street Journal. The Administration has also been in contact with his family. Furthermore, the State Department has been in direct touch with the Russian government on this matter, including actively working to secure consular access to Mr. Gershkovich," added Karine Jean-Pierre.

She also emphasized that Americans should heed the US government's warning not to travel to Russia. And those US citizens who live or travel in Russia should leave immediately.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called on American citizens to leave Russia and added that the State Department is talking to the Wall Street Journal about the situation. In addition, he said that the US State Department has contacted the consulate to provide the detainee with all the necessary support.

"The Department of State’s highest priority is the safety and security of US citizens abroad.  We reiterate our strong warnings about the danger posed to US citizens inside the Russian Federation. US citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately, as stated in our Travel Advisory for Russia," Blinken emphasized.

• The Russian FSB detained the Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of espionage.