The US ambassador to Russia has met an American ex-Marine accused of espionage whose detention has sparked the latest rift between the countries.
Ambassador Jon Huntsman met Paul Whelan at the Lefortovo prison in Moscow and afterwards spoke to his family by telephone, the US State Department said.
"Ambassador Huntsman expressed his support for Mr Whelan and offered the embassy's assistance," a State Department spokesperson said.
Paul Whelan of Michigan who has been arrested in Moscow, Russia by the FSB under charges of espionage. Source: Supplied
The United States has been cautious in its public comments on the case, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying earlier Wednesday that Washington was trying to learn more about the situation.
"If the detention is not appropriate, we will demand his immediate return," Pompeo told reporters while on a visit to Brazil.
The consular visit took place five days after the 48-year-old Whelan was detained in Moscow. The Russian foreign ministry also confirmed that the United States was granted consular access.
US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman has been allowed access to the American. Source: AP
Whelan faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty, according to the ministry.
He was arrested "while carrying out an act of espionage", Russia's FSB domestic security service said.
His family has denied he is a spy, saying he was visiting Moscow to attend a wedding.
"We have read reports of the arrest in Moscow of Paul Whelan, our son and brother," said a statement posted on Twitter by David Whelan, who said he is the brother of Paul.
"Paul is a retired Marine and was visiting Moscow to attend a wedding," it continued, adding that he stopped being in communication with his family on Friday, "which was very much out of character for him even when he was traveling."
The FSB domestic security service said the American was arrested "while carrying out an act of espionage". Source: Supplied
The family added they learned of the arrest through the media on Monday morning and had been in touch with US lawmakers, as well as the State Department.
"We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being. His innocence is undoubted and we trust that his rights will be respected," the statement said.
Born in Canada, Whelan is director of international security for BorgWarner, a car parts manufacturer headquartered near Detroit, his brother David Whelan has told several US media outlets.
His arrest came after President Vladimir Putin accused Western nations of using espionage cases to try to undermine an increasingly powerful Russia.
US intelligence services have accused Moscow of interfering in the 2016 presidential election.
US Special Counsel Robert Mueller has charged 25 Russians - including members of the GRU military intelligence service - and three Russian companies for that alleged interference, but they have not been arrested.
In December, Russian national Maria Butina pleaded guilty in a federal court in Washington to acting as an illegal foreign agent.
Butina faces up to six months in prison, followed by likely deportation.
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