According to the U.S. Army, a U.S. soldier was apprehended in Vladivostok, Russia, on Thursday on allegations of criminal misconduct.
According to Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith, the Russian Federation has informed the U.S. Department of State about the criminal detention. This notification was made in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The soldier’s family has been notified by the Army, and the U.S. Department of State is offering the necessary consular support to the soldier in Russia. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation, further details cannot be provided at this time.
According to two U.S. officials, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, a soldier stationed in South Korea, was on temporary leave as he was in the process of changing units and relocating from South Korea to Fort Cavazos, Texas. This leave, known as Permanent Change of Station, provides service members with time to complete their relocation.
According to two officials, the soldier took leave without any official authorization and traveled to Russia on his own accord.
Vladivostok, located in southeast Russia near the borders of North Korea and China, is a bustling port city.
According to an official from the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is currently attempting to secure consular access to the detained soldier. However, they have not yet been granted permission to meet with the individual. The official further revealed that the soldier is currently held in pretrial detention until July 1, with a high possibility of an extension.
During a briefing on Monday afternoon, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged that the White House is aware of the report regarding the detention of a U.S. soldier in Russia.
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