Gershkovich, a 32-year-old American who said the allegations against him were false, went on trial last month in the city of Yekaterinburg.
President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is open to a prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich and that contacts with the United States have taken place but must remain secret.
The official, briefing reporters on US election security, did not name the former president and presumptive Republican nominee when asked who Moscow wants as the next US president.
The increase of $10.7 billion is largely attributed to an increase in the United States’s defense budget.
"We are aware of reports of US citizens being arrested inside of Russia," a spokesman said. "Consular officers from the embassy always seek to aid citizens with appropriate assistance."
Gershkovich, his paper, and the US government all strongly deny the charges against him, which carry a sentence of up to 20 years in jail.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield claimed that Russia and China vetoed the UNSC condemnation of Hamas for Oct. 7 because it was authored by the US
The three countries, known for their strained relationships, were able to put aside their differences to work together effectively at a joint drill hosted by India.
Trump's comparison statement comes following the $354.9 million penalty fine that he was ruled to pay last week by a New York judge.
"Let us be clear, Russia is responsible," US VP Harris said, adding that it would be "a further sign of Putin's brutality" of the death is confirmed.
JPOST Digital Library
