American reporter Evan Gershkovich formally charged with espionage, according to Russian state media
Russian investigators have formally charged Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, Russian state media reported Friday.
Gershkovich denied the accusations, according to state news agency TASS. The newspaper has also “vehemently” denied the Kremlin’s claims and said it is working “around the clock” to secure his release.
“The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia,” an agency representative said, according to TASS.
The representative declined to comment further, as the journalist’s case was marked “top secret,” the state news agency said.
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What we’re covering
- Battles for Ukraine’s eastern city of Bakhmut rage on, as the UK’s military intelligence unit says Russian troops have “regained some momentum” — and have “likely advanced” into the town center.
- In the southern Kherson region, Russian shelling injured seven people Thursday evening, according to the head of the regional military administration.
- Beijing’s “top priority” is to push for an end to the Ukraine war, China’s Xi Jinping told the EU Commission chief and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.
- Senior Ukrainian officials insist that Kyiv will make zero territorial concessions to Russia, following remarks from a presidential official about the future of Crimea.
- The Pentagon is investigating alleged classified documents circulating on social media of US and NATO intelligence on Ukraine, an official tells CNN.
Source: CNN