By A U.S. Army soldier, identified as Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, was detained by Russian authorities in the port city of Vladivostok on Thursday, facing charges of criminal misconduct.
The U.S. Army confirmed the detention, stating that the Russian Federation had notified the U.S. Department of State in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith provided a statement to ABC News, saying, “The Army notified his family and the U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia. Given the sensitivity of this matter, we are unable to provide additional details at this time.”
Two U.S. officials revealed to ABC News that Staff Sgt. Black had been stationed in South Korea but was on temporary leave due to a relocation from South Korea to Fort Cavazos, Texas, as part of a Permanent Change of Station.
During this leave, the soldier reportedly left of his own accord and did not have permission to travel to Russia.
Vladivostok, the city where the detention occurred, is located in southeast Russia near the country’s borders with North Korea and China.
A State Department official confirmed to ABC News that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is attempting to gain consular access to the detained soldier but has not yet been permitted to meet with the individual.
The official also revealed that the soldier is being held in pretrial detention through July 1, with a likely extension.
During a briefing on Monday afternoon, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged that the White House is aware of the report concerning the U.S. soldier’s detention in Russia.
The news of Staff Sgt. Black’s detention was first reported by NBC News.
As the situation unfolds, U.S. authorities are working to gather more information and provide appropriate support to the detained soldier while navigating the sensitive nature of the matter with Russian officials.
