Evan Gershkovich defiant in Russian prison

Family receives handwritten letter following six months detention on spying charges

"We continue to write letters and receive updates on him from Lynne Tracy, the U.S. ambassador to Russia," Evan Gershkovich's parents said.

The family of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich received a handwritten letter from him on Friday, the first direct contact with their son since he was arrested by Russian security services last month while on a reporting trip to Moscow.

Gershkovich's parents, Ella and Mikhail Gershkovich, said they were relieved to hear from their son, but remained concerned about his well-being.

"We are grateful for any contact with Evan, but we are also very worried about him," Ella Gershkovich said. "We don't know what conditions he's being held in, or what kind of treatment he's receiving."

Gershkovich, who is a U.S. citizen, was arrested on December 29 and charged with espionage. Russian authorities have accused him of collecting classified information about the Russian military.

The U.S. government has denied the charges, and has called for Gershkovich's immediate release.

Gershkovich's family said they have been in regular contact with U.S. officials, and that they are hopeful that he will be released soon.

"We are doing everything we can to support Evan and to secure his release," Ella Gershkovich said.