Russian deputy FM, U.S. ambassador meet in Moscow to discuss situation around U.S. journalist Gershkovich's detention

MOSCOW. April 6 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov met with U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy on Thursday to discuss the situation around the detention of U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The meeting was held at the request of the U.S. ambassador, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. "During the discussion of the detention of U.S. citizen Gershkovich in Russia, which Tracy touched upon, the attention of the diplomatic mission head was drawn to the serious nature of the charges brought against him. It was highlighted that he had been caught red-handed while attempting to access secret information, using his journalistic status as a cover for wrongful actions classed as espionage," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website.

"It was also noted that the hype around this case in the U.S., aimed at putting pressure on the Russian authorities and the court that must decide Gershkovich's fate, is hopeless and pointless," it said.

"The issue of access to him for representatives of the U.S. embassy, who were timely notified of the fact of detention, is being handled with due consideration of the existing consular practice and Russian legislation," it said.

The sides also touched on other problematic points in bilateral relations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.