For Immediate Release
March 30, 2023
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
NITED STATES OF AMERIC
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN
Russia's Arrest of a U.S. Citizen
We are deeply concerned over Russia's widely-reported detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. We
are in contact with the Wall Street Journal on this situation. Whenever a U.S. citizen is detained
abroad, we immediately seek consular access, and seek to provide all appropriate support.
In the strongest possible terms, we condemn the Kremlin's continued attempts to intimidate,
repress, and punish journalists and civil society voices.
The Department of State's highest priority is the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. We
reiterate our strong warnings about the danger posed to U.S. citizens inside the Russian
Federation. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately, as stated in
our Travel Advisory for Russia.
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