Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich is being held in Russia until at least next May. This has provoked the reaction of the international community and even that of Joe Biden’s administration.

For the US president, imprisonment is ‘totally illegal’.

US Demands Release Of Wall Street Journal Journalist Detained In Russia

“We make it very clear that what is happening is totally illegal, and we declare it that way. That changes the dynamic,” Biden told reporters as he left Washington for a trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The White House later said Biden called the journalist’s family from Air Force One.

Biden told them he is “focused on releasing Evan,” as well as another American being held in Russia, Paul Whelan, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Gershkovich is accused of espionage by the Kremlin. “The foreigner was detained in Yekaterinburg while trying to obtain classified information,” the FSB said, referring to a city in central Russia 1,800 kilometers east of Moscow.

The journalist’s family issued a statement on Tuesday asking for his release and thanking them for the call they received from Biden. “Evan is not only a prominent journalist, but also a loving son and brother. There is a hole in our hearts and in our family that will not be filled until we are reunited. We are grateful for the support of his colleagues, friends and everyone who supports Evan and calls for his immediate release.”