Foreign Ministry once again urges Russia to release journalist Sushchenko

The Ministry`s statement urges the Russian side to stop its illegal actions with regard to illegally detained citizens of Ukraine and immediately release Sushchenko and ensure his unhindered return to Ukraine. As reported, the Lefortovo District Court of Moscow has extended Sushchenko`s pre-trial detention until June 30. A Paris-based correspondent of Ukrinform news agency, Sushchenko was arrested in September while on a private visit to Moscow. The charges of espionage were dismissed by the Ukrainian government as ungrounded and politically motivated. International organizations have repeatedly called for the reporter`s release.