The US ambassador to Russia on Monday said she was able to visit the Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained more than two weeks ago on charges of espionage. Ambassador Lynne Tracy said that she visited Evan Gershkovich in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison, notorious for harsh conditions, and 'he is in good health and remains strong."

It was 'the first time we've been permitted access to him since his wrongful detention more than two weeks ago,' she said on Twitter. 'We reiterate our call for his immediate release.' White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the US wants to have 'regular, routine' consular access to the jailed journalist. Gershkovich, 31, his employer and the US government all deny he was involved in spying.