An American soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, has been arrested in Vladivostok, Russia, on charges of theft from his girlfriend, according to multiple U.S. officials. Black, who was stationed in South Korea and on his way back to Fort Cavazos in Texas, instead traveled to Russia to visit his long-term girlfriend. The arrest of the soldier further complicates the already tense relations between the United States and Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The soldier’s arrest took place on Thursday, and the U.S. Department of State has been providing consular support to Black. Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed the detention and stated that the Army had informed the soldier’s family. The Russian woman involved had previously resided in South Korea, and it is unclear whether she left voluntarily or if Korean authorities were involved in her departure following a domestic dispute or altercation with Black.
Officials revealed that Black did not inform his unit about his trip to Russia and did not receive any authorization for his visit. Although it remains unclear if U.S. service members are explicitly prohibited from traveling to Russia, the State Department strongly advises against it.
This incident follows the case of American soldier Travis King, who crossed into North Korea last year and was later expelled. Russia currently holds several Americans in its jails, including Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Travis Leake, Marc Fogel, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Ksenia Khavana. The U.S. government has designated them as wrongfully detained and has been actively seeking their release.
The soldier’s arrest in Russia was first reported by NBC News. As the situation unfolds, further details may emerge regarding the charges against Staff Sgt. Gordon Black and the potential diplomatic implications for U.S.-Russia relations.
