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.
Ecuador violence: Ecuadorians approve referendum measures to toughen fight against gangs
Lady Amelia Windsor wows in lace slip dress as she attends Earth Day dinner in London
Conference on internal combustion engines opens in China's Tianjin
At least 10 casualties reported in a hospital knife attack in China
REVEALED: Larry Ellison son's David, 41, and his bid to buy media giant Paramount
Chinese readers find new passion for scientific literature
Signatures submitted for 'top two' primary election in Republican
'Openly Jewish' charity chief says Met boss Mark Rowley has 'failed abjectly' to stand up for Jews
I'm jealous of my husband's dead ex
China, U.S. make preparations to send a pair of giant pandas to San Francisco Zoo in 2025