U.S. Ambassador to Russia Visits American Evan Gershkovich in Moscow Prison Despite Denied Access by Russian Authorities

On Monday, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy visited American Evan Gershkovich in a Moscow prison. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in March on espionage charges. This is the second visit by Biden administration officials since his arrest.

According to a State Department spokesperson, Ambassador Tracy reported that Gershkovich is in good health and remains strong, despite his circumstances. The U.S. Embassy will continue to provide all appropriate support to Gershkovich and his family.

The visit comes just one week after a Moscow court ruled Gershkovich must remain in prison until August 30th. U.S. consular officials, including Tracy, were last able to see Gershkovich on April 17, about two weeks after his arrest.

The U.S. has protested that diplomatic officials have been denied access by Russian authorities to meet with Gershkovich at the capital’s notorious Lefortovo prison. Despite this, Ambassador Tracy was able to visit Gershkovich on Monday.

The Biden administration is continuing to advocate for Gershkovich’s release and is calling on Russian authorities to provide continued consular access. The U.S. Embassy is also continuing to provide all necessary support to Gershkovich and his family.