Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison since March on espionage charges|www.evangershkovich.com

The White House issued a cautionary statement regarding its ongoing efforts to secure the release of American journalist Evan Gershkovich and businessman Paul Whelan, wrongfully detained in Russia under espionage charges.

National Security Council coordinator John Kirby said complexities have arisen due to the spying charges, pointing, “The Russians sort of treat them differently. So it's going to be, you know, could be potentially tough to continue to work to get them back.”

Additionally, a recent Moscow court decision cited procedural irregularities, prolonging the Wall Street Journal reporter’s detention until November 30.