United States State Department has designated journalist Evan Gershkovich as "wrongfully detained" by Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
According to the report, the speed at which the call was made was unprecedented as it typically involves months of bureaucratic deliberation. The decision will allow the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to start negotiating his release with Moscow.
Gershkovich was officially charged with espionage and pleaded not guilty on Friday, while the White House slammed the accusations as "ridiculous."
