US officials seek answers after Russia arrests an American for allegedly spying

• Paul Whelan, a 48-year-old Detroit-area man, is under arrest in Russia on espionage allegations.
• Whelan has visited Russia several times since at least 2007, and had an account on a Russian social media site.
• US officials are seeking answers about Whelan's arrest.
• US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr. visited Whelan on Wednesday in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison.
• "Ambassador Huntsman expressed his support for Mr. Whelan and offered the embassy's assistance," the State Department said.

DETROIT (AP) — As a staff sergeant with the Marines in Iraq, Paul Whelan enjoyed fine cigars and showed an affinity for Russia — even spending two weeks of military leave in Moscow and St. Petersburg instead of at home in the US with family and friends.

The 48-year-old Detroit-area man had an account on a Russian social media site, where he posted festive notes on the country's national holidays.

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