The United States has accused Russia of intimidation and harassment following reports that a former U.S. consulate worker, Robert Shonov, had been charged by Russian security services with collecting information on the Ukraine conflict and Russian politics for Washington. The Russian FSB security service alleged that Shonov relayed information to U.S. embassy staffers in Moscow about Russia’s conscription campaign and its impact on political discontent. The U.S. State Department reiterated that the allegations were baseless and highlighted Russia’s increasingly repressive actions against its citizens. The incident has led to tensions between the two countries and diplomatic protests.