Russia detains American citizen on spy charges
A US citizen suspected of being a “spy on a mission” was detained by Russian officials in Moscow on 28 December.
Russia's FSB security service said on Monday that he had been arrested "while carrying out an act of espionage" and that a criminal case had been opened.
The statement identified the American in Russian which could be translated to Paul Whelan. No other details were immediately available.
Earlier this year the US launched economic sanctions against Turkey after Ankara accused and detained US pastor Andrew Brunson on espionage charges.