U.S. Army Soldier Detained In Russia, Officials Say

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(Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

OAN’s James Meyers
2:23 PM – Monday, May 6, 2024

A U.S. soldier was detained in Russia last week, according to a U.S. Army spokesperson.

Staff Sgt. Gordon D. Black was stationed in South Korea and traveled to Russia on his own terms and not on official business, according to multiple U.S. officials.

He was detained on May 2^nd. He is accused of stealing from a woman, according to officials.

In a statement U.S. Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith said that the soldier was arrested in Vladivostok, Russia “on charges of criminal misconduct.”

“The Russian Federation notified the U.S. Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations,” Smith said. “The Army notified his family and the U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the Soldier in Russia. Given the sensitivity of this matter, we are unable to provide additional details at this time.”

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. is “aware of this case and other matters related to Russia,” but he said he couldn’t “say much about it right now.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. has been trying to secure the release of two other Americans who have been detained for several years in Russia.

Paul Whelan, a former Marine, has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018 on espionage, which the U.S. and his family have said are false charges. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was jailed in March 2023 on espionage charges, which the U.S., his family and employer all insist the charges are baseless. He is still awaiting trial.

Additionally, an updated travel advisory took place in September, with the U.S. warning for months not to travel to Russia and pleading with citizens living there to depart immediately.

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