Russian presidential spokesman (Kremlin) Dmitry Peskov pointed out that “the Americans detained in the war in Ukraine were engaged in illegal activities”, explaining that “they endanger the Russian army and must be held accountable for the crimes committed.” army and are not subject to the Geneva Convention.”

At the same time, Peskov said that “American basketball player Britney Grainer, who is being held in Russia, is not a hostage, but has violated Russian law.”

And the Reuters news agency reported earlier that “Russian media have released photographs that they say show American citizens being arrested in Ukraine.”

And before that, the US State Department said: “We have not contacted Russia about reports confirming the appearance of two American prisoners of war in Ukraine in the hands of Russian forces,” noting that it is “tracking what was reported about the loss of a third also involved in the fighting.” .