The American soldier detained by Russia was confirmed by the United States Army on Monday.
“On May 2, 2024, Russian authorities in Vladivostok, Russia, detained an American soldier on charges of criminal misconduct,” Army Spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith said in a statement. “The Russian Federation notified the U.S. Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. 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.”
The soldier, who traveled to Russia from South Korea where he was stationed, was detained by Russian authorities. NBC News, the first to report the detention, stated that the soldier was not on official business. He is facing accusations of theft from a woman, as confirmed by officials. This soldier now joins other Americans currently detained in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. Gershkovich was detained and imprisoned in March 2023, while Whelan was arrested back in 2018.
Given the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, with the U.S. providing significant military and economic aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, the detention of a U.S. soldier in Russia could further strain relations and potentially weaken U.S. support for Ukraine, which is already facing growing opposition. Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) expressed his deep concerns regarding the soldier’s detention.
“I am deeply concerned by reports that a U.S. Army officer has been detained in Russia. Putin has a long history of holding American citizens hostage. A warning to all Americans—as the State Department has said, it is not safe to travel to Russia,” McCaul said in a statement.
CHM @RepMcCaul: “I am deeply concerned by reports that a U.S. Army officer has been detained in Russia. Putin has a long history of holding American citizens hostage. A warning to all Americans—as the State Department has said, it is not safe to travel to Russia.” https://t.co/R4lIdjmDOH
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) May 6, 2024