US Journalist Evan Gershkovich Unlawfully Detained in Russia, Biden Administration Demands Release.

The US has officially designated Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich as "unlawfully detained" by Russia, unlocking more resources for his potential release and signifying that he is viewed officially as a political prisoner. The State Department's Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs will now specially handle his case. The US has denied Russia's allegations that Gershkovich is a spy, and his colleagues describe him as a diligent reporter who is being used as a political pawn due to his high profile. The US is working to create a deterrent strategy to make it more costly and thus less likely for Russia to snatch American citizens for political gain.