The US State Department says that Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Hershkovich, detained in Russia, was unjustly detained, CNN reports.

The designation underscores the United States government’s assertion that the espionage charges against the reporter are unfounded, and will allow the US government to explore all options for his release.

“Today, Minister Blinken determined that Evan Hershkovich is illegally detained by Russia,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel said on Monday.

The designation underscores the United States government’s assertion that the espionage charges against the reporter are unfounded, and will allow the US government to explore all options for his release.

Hershkovich’s case will now be reviewed by the State Department through the Office of the Special Representative of the President on Hostage Affairs.

Both Americans recently brought home from Russia, Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner, were found to have been wrongfully detained and were released in a prisoner exchange.

Paul Whelan, who remains in prison in Russia, was also found guilty of illegal detention.

In his statement, Patel noted that “the US government will provide all appropriate support to Mr. Hershkovich and his family.”

“We call on the Russian Federation to immediately release Mr. Hershkovich,” he added. “We also call on Russia to release the unjustly detained American citizen Paul Whelan.”