Much Ado About Something...but Let's not Speculate

 "I can't really say much about it right now. Certainly, it's a better question put to our DOD [Department of Defense] colleagues, but we're certainly aware of this case," Kirby responded on Monday to a question about the report during a press briefing.

CBS News

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American soldier arrested in Russia

Uploaded: May 6, 2024

An American soldier has been arrested in Russia after being accused of stealing from a woman. The soldier was stationed in South Korea and traveled to Russia on his own as he was set to return to the ...

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U.S. soldier arrested in Russia over the weekend

U.S. officials said the soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to Fort Cavazos in Texas. Instead, officials said he traveled to Russia.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.

Cynthia Smith, a U.S. Army spokeswoman, confirmed to Newsweek via email Monday that a soldier was detained on Thursday on charges of criminal misconduct. She added that Russia notified the U.S. and the soldier's family has been informed.

"The Russian Federation notified the U.S. Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. 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," Smith told Newsweek.

U.S. soldier arrested in Russia over the weekend

Jacob Knutson

A Russian military parade in Moscow on May 2. Photo: Contributor/Getty Images

A U.S. soldier who had been stationed in South Korea was arrested in Russia over the weekend, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed on Monday.

Why it matters: In recent years, multiple former U.S. service members have been arrested in Russia on charges denounced by the U.S. as baseless.

• The arrest was first reported by NBC News.
• Kirby did not name the soldier at the press briefing, or give charging details. He said only that the White House was aware of the situation.

What they're saying: The Department of Defense directed questions to the U.S. Army, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

• The Department of State also did not immediately respond to a request.

Zoom in: The soldier traveled to Russia on his own and not on official business and was arrested on accusations that he stole from a woman, NBC News reported.

• The soldier, a staff sergeant, was arrested in Vladivostok, according to CNN.

Zoom out: Several Americans are currently being held in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

• Both have been declared wrongfully detained by the State Department.
• The U.S. State Department has repeatedly urged Americans to leave Russia and has warned that it appears the Russian government is targeting Americans for detention.

Between the lines: Prisoner swaps between the U.S. and Russia in recent years — such as the swap to secure WNBA star Brittney Griner's freedom — have seen Moscow request, and later receive, people who organized international criminal rings so the U.S. could secure the release of Americans.

Go deeper: Russia announces tactical nuclear weapon drills as tensions with West spike

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details.

Forbes

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American Soldier Detained In Russia On Theft Charges