Lavrov to Blinken: It is Unacceptable to Politicize the Journalist's Case

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken on Sunday that it is unacceptable for Washington to politicize the case of Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich, who was arrested and accused of espionage in Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Lavrov informed Blinken in a phone call that a court will decide Gershkovich's fate, reiterating Russia's position, which has not provided any evidence, that the journalist was caught "in the act" last week. It was noted that Blinken was reminded of the importance of respecting decisions made by Russian authorities in accordance with law and Russia's international obligations, adding, "It was emphasized that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and Western media to create a stir with a clear intention to politicize this case." The Russian side mentioned that it was Blinken who initiated the phone call.