President Biden has called on the Russian side to release the reporter after an American reporter from the Wall Street Journal was arrested on suspicion of espionage in Russia.
On March 3, President Biden told reporters at the White House that arrested reporter Evan Geruszkovich "release him."
When asked if he had any plans to deport Russian diplomats and journalists, he said, "I don't have any plans at the moment," and emphasized that he had no plans to take any action at this time.
White House spokesman Jean-Pierre told reporters that the State Department is working to enable access by embassy staff and is working with the Russian government.
On the other hand, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova said on March 31 that "the meeting will be conducted in accordance with the regulations" and that "he was trying to obtain confidential materials using a press card," and once again insisted that the arrest was legitimate.
Dmitry Muratov, the editor-in-chief of a Russian newspaper that won the Nobel Peace Prize, told Reuters in Moscow on March 31, "I know Mr. Gerushkovich and he is not a spy, and I hope he will be released soon."