American Arrested in Russia for Drug Trafficking

A 32-year-old US national, Robert Romanov Woodland, has been arrested in Russia on drug trafficking charges, adding to the growing number of Americans detained in Moscow amid rising tensions over the Ukraine war. Woodland faces a 20-year prison sentence if convicted and is being held in custody until 5 March. His arrest comes as efforts by the Biden administration to secure the release of two other Americans jailed in Russia were rejected, fueling fears that they are being held as bargaining chips. The US and Russia have been in talks over the detainees, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who also faces a 20-year prison term if convicted.