The Russians just smacked our State Department right across the mouth.
Our diplomats requested to see jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
He was arrested for espionage, even though the Russians have yet to produce a single shred of evidence of his guilt.
The request was denied, dealing Secretary Antony Blinken and this administration another foreign policy blow.
Sweet Revenge
This move by the Russians was a direct response to the United States blocking Russian reporters from accompanying Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations.
The Russian Ministry responded, “It was particularly emphasized that such sabotage, intended to prevent normal journalistic work, would not go unanswered.”
Lavrov added, “A country that calls itself the strongest, smartest, free and fair country has chickened out and done something stupid by showing what its sworn assurances about protecting freedom of speech and access to information are really worth.”
Gershkovich was jailed about a month ago.
As far as I have seen, the only contact he has had with American officials was during his bail trial, where embassy officials were permitted to attend and hold a brief meeting with Gershkovich.
Biden has one little to help him, only offering up some words of criticism for Russia.
I am guessing if he were a lesbian minority basketball player, the administration would be making a larger effort to bring him home.
Source: New York Post