 In interviews to Russian media before his arrest, Woodland said he'd been born in Russia and was adopted by American parents at a young age. He returned to his birth country in 2020 to reconnect with his biological mother and his Russian roots. Court records show Woodland holds both U.S. and Russian passports. The U.S. government has repeatedly warned Americans to stay clear of Russia, saying they risk arbitrary detention by Russian security services. Charles Mainz, NPR News, Moscow. And you're listening to NPR News.