Russian Court Jails Former U.S. Consular Employee for Alleged Espionage

Robert Shonov, a former U.S. consular employee, has been convicted by a Russian court for covertly aiding the U.S. government. Accused of providing harmful information against Russia, he faces almost five years in prison. The U.S. labels these accusations as baseless and critiques Russia's repressive laws.

A Russian court has sentenced Robert Shonov, a former U.S. consular employee, to nearly five years in jail. Shonov was accused of covertly cooperating with the U.S. government, supplying information detrimental to Russia's national security.

Detained by Russia's FSB in May, Shonov's case reflects rising tensions between Moscow and Washington. The U.S. State Department condemned the allegations, calling them groundless and critiquing Russia's use of repressive laws.

A video released by the FSB showed Shonov's purported confession to gathering intelligence on Russia's military activities. The circumstances under which he spoke remain unclear, raising questions about possible duress.

(With inputs from agencies.)