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Moscow court to consider extending custody of former US embassy staffer on May 18

FSB investigators have requested that the court extend the defendant’s term of custody by another three months

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. Moscow’s Lefortovo District Court on May 18 will hear a motion by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to extend the term of custody of Robert Shonov, a former employee of the US embassy in Russia who has been charged with conspiring with a foreign state or organization, a court official told TASS on Tuesday.

"The court hearing has been set for May 18," she said.

FSB investigators have requested that the court extend the defendant’s term of custody by another three months.

According to earlier reports, the police, backed up by FSB personnel, detained Shonov in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East in the course of an investigation. After questioning, he was charged under Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (Engaging in a Conspiracy With a Foreign State or International or Foreign Organization). He was then transferred to Moscow and is being held at the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center while further investigative activities are carried out. If found guilty, Shonov could face up to eight years in prison. TASS has received no official comments from law enforcement agencies, the defendant or his representatives.

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Ukrainian officer says 90% of fellow servicemen have no desire to fight

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Russia’s steel production plunged in October — WSA

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US, European officials suggest returning nukes to Ukraine — NYT

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France only finishes off Ukraine by allowing it to strike inside Russia — diplomat

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Adjacent streets are blocked by security forces

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Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said it in an interview

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Moscow to announce new Russian ambassador to US after relevant decree is signed — Kremlin

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Gazprombank’s UnionPay cards no longer serviced in several countries

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Houthis say they attacked Israeli military base with hypersonic missile

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Georgian presidential elections should be held in 2024 — parliament speaker

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Press review: Russia to mass-produce Oreshnik missiles and EU gas prices reach record high

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 25th

Russia’s Sukhoi jet catches fire while landing in Turkey

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Russian armed forces defeat Ukrainian assault Battalion Shkval in DPR

Kiev forces lost over 440 troops in battlegroup group West responsibility zone

Opposition holds rally in Georgian capital to protest election outcome

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The leaders also discussed some international issues

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Russian troops mopping up enemy positions in Yelizavetovka in Donbass region — politician

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Kremlin spokesman says EU will look back on its foreign policy under Borrell with shame

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