US journalist to remain in Russian jail

A Russian judge upheld the detention of American journalist Evan Gershkovich on Tuesday following his arrest on spying charges amid the Kremlin’s sweeping crackdown on press freedom during the war in Ukraine.

Hi, it's Julius with an update on Russia-Ukraine and other top world stories.

The judge ruled that Gershkovich – the Russia correspondent for the Wall Street Journal – is to stay in jail awaiting an investigation and trial. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

The U.S. government, Gershkovich and the Journal have denied the allegations.

“Evan is wrongfully detained and the charges of espionage against him are false. We demand his immediate release and are doing everything in our power to secure it,” said Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of the Journal, and Emma Tucker, editor in chief of the Journal, in a statement following Gershkovich’s hearing.

Gershkovich has been held in Lefortovo prison, which is notorious for its harsh conditions.

U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who attended Tuesday’s hearing, said Gershkovich “is in good health and remains strong” following her visit. 

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said last week that a possible prisoner exchange for Gershkovich could occur, but only after his trial. 

More on the Ukraine-Russia crisis:

• The U.S. will send a prosecutor to the Netherlands to assist in Ukraine's pursuit of Russian war criminals, the Justice Department announced Monday.
• Vladimir Kara-Murza, an activist and prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday.