Russia Summons US Ambassador in Spy Scandal

May 15, 2013

by Jessica Golloher

The Kremlin has weighed in on the expulsion of an American man Moscow accuses of spying for the Central Intelligence Agency.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Wednesday that U.S. Embassy official Ryan Fogle's tried to recruit a Russian intelligence officer for the CIA, and that this does not contribute to building trust between the former Cold War foes.

Fogle, a third secretary at the U.S. Embassy, was detained Monday night by Russia's Federal Security Service and accused of carrying a large amount of cash, wigs, microphones and written instructions to the Russian agent he allegedly sought to recruit. Russian state television broadcast footage of Fogle being arrested. It also showed Fogle's alleged spy material.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov summoned U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul to his office Wednesday in connection with the incident. Following the meeting, McFaul refused comment.

On the sidelines of talks in Sweden with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Lavrov said there was no need to comment on the scandal.

Lavrov said he and Kerry did not talk about the incident, adding that it's pointless to talk about the matter because everything is already public knowledge.

The spy scandal is the latest in a string of spats between Moscow and Washington. Both sides continue to disagree on several important international issues, including Syria, missile defense and adoptions.

Meanwhile, Moscow has not announced any further action regarding Fogle's alleged spying.