Blinken Contacts Lavrov: The Reason Revealed

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This was reported on April 2 by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry stated that the phone conversation took place at the initiative of the American side. During the conversation, they addressed a number of pressing bilateral issues.

The ministry informed that Lavrov and Blinken discussed the recent arrest of journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is suspected of espionage. In this context, Lavrov emphasized the necessity of respecting the decisions made by Russian authorities in accordance with Russian legislation and international obligations.

It was also noted that the incitement of hysteria by officials in Washington and Western media, with the intent to politicize the case, is unacceptable.

Lavrov further stated that Gershkovich was arrested while attempting to obtain classified information under the cover of journalistic status, collecting data that constitutes state secrets. The future of the American journalist, in connection with the established facts of his illegal activities, will be determined by the court, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is noteworthy that the American journalist was arrested in Yekaterinburg. He is suspected of espionage.