MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, serving a 20-year prison term in the US, has been denied medical care despite his requesting the prison administration after his health condition had got worse, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.

She said that Russian diplomats contacting Yaroshenko found out that "his diseases have once again intensified, of which he notified the prison administration. However, as of today he has not received medical care".

"We, for our part, have agreed with the prison administration to have an overall medical examination of Konstantin Yaroshenko, and we will shortly repeat the request to the authorities," Zakharova said.

Konstantin Yaroshenko was convicted in the United States on September 7, 2011 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He pled innocence and described his arrest as a provocation. All charges against him were trumped up, he stated.

The pilot had been brought to the United States from Liberia, where he was arrested on May 28, 2010. Agents of the US Drug Enforcement Administration operating under cover allegedly exposed Yaroshenko’s criminal intention to transport a large batch of cocaine.

He is serving the prison term at the Fort Dix federal prison, New Jersey. Russia has repeatedly requested the United States to release Yaroshenko.

Earlier reports said the Russian pilot is in grave condition and needs medical help.