The United States has expressed strong disapproval of Russia's recent actions concerning Robert Shonov, a former employee of the U.S. Mission in Russia. Shonov has been convicted and sentenced under charges that the U.S. claims are baseless.

A statement from the United States emphasized that "the allegations against Mr. Shonov are entirely without merit, and his conviction is an egregious injustice." The U.S. highlighted concerns about Russia's application of its laws, noting that Shonov's case underscores "the Kremlin’s blatant use of increasingly repressive laws against its own citizens."

This development adds to the ongoing tensions between the two nations over various geopolitical issues.