American Soldier Gordon Black Arrested in Russia for Alleged Theft from Girlfriend: US-Russia Relations Strained

MOSCOW – A soldier from the United States (USA) was arrested and detained by Russian authorities when he visited the city of Vladivostok.

American officials said the soldier was Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, 34. He was stationed in South Korea and was currently returning home to Fort Cavazos in Texas.

But, officials said, Black – who was married – went to Russia to see his longtime girlfriend.

His arrest, which took place last Thursday, complicated US relations with Russia, which have been increasingly strained as Moscow’s war in Ukraine continues. .

US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity APOn Tuesday (7/5/2024), Black said he was arrested on suspicion of stealing something from his girlfriend and is still in custody.

US Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed that an American soldier was detained Thursday in Vladivostok, Russia’s main military and commercial port in the Pacific, on criminal charges.

He said Russia had contacted the US and the American Army had contacted the soldier’s family.

“The US State Department provides adequate consular assistance to the troops [Amerika] in Russia,” Smith said.