WASHINGTON (AP) — An American soldier visiting a girlfriend in Russia’s port city of Vladivostok was arrested on charges of stealing from her and remains in custody, according to several U.S. officials.
U.S. officials said Monday 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 that Black, who is married, traveled to Russia to see a longtime girlfriend. His arrest only further complicates U.S. relations with Russia, which have grown increasingly tense as the war in Ukraine drags on.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.
Cynthia Smith, Army spokeswoman, confirmed that a soldier was detained on Thursday in Vladivostok, a major military and commercial Pacific port, on charges of criminal misconduct. She said Russia notified the U.S. and the Army told the soldier’s family.
Donald Trump and Lindsey Graham are again at odds, now over abortion
Chinese geoscientists set new record on shelf coring
Millions of people across Oklahoma, southern Kansas at risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms
Landslides hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island, killing at least 18 people
Agricultural Bank of China sees loan increase of 1.2 trln yuan in Q1
Technical, technological measures facilitate restoration of seagrass beds