Diplomatic Drama: Russia's Call for Novikova's Release

Russia has called on France to release Anna Novikova, a Russian-French national charged with espionage. Russian officials claim the accusations are baseless and part of a larger trend of espionage concerns in Europe. The case highlights rising tensions between Russia and Western nations over intelligence activities.

Russia issued a statement on Wednesday demanding the immediate release of Anna Novikova, a Russian-French national detained in France last year on espionage charges.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, addressed reporters, dismissing the accusations against Novikova as 'fabricated' and pointing to what she described as the 'spy mania' currently sweeping Europe.

This diplomatic dispute adds to the growing tension between Russia and Western countries regarding espionage and intelligence operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)