Moscow Court Upholds American's 12-Year Drug Trafficking Sentence

Robert Woodland, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, loses appeal amid declining U.S.-Russia relations.

Robert Woodland, born in Russia and adopted by American parents, was convicted in July for attempted drug trafficking.
The Moscow City Court confirmed his 12-and-a-half-year prison sentence, dismissing his appeal.
Woodland traveled to Russia reportedly to reconnect with his biological mother, whom he met on a TV show.
The case highlights increasing detentions of Americans in Russia as diplomatic tensions rise over the conflict in Ukraine.
U.S. officials claim that Russia uses detained Americans as political leverage, though Russian authorities argue legal violations are the cause.