WASHINGTON, United States: A U.S. soldier was detained in Russia last week on “criminal” charges, the U.S. military said Monday.
The soldier – whose name has not been released – adds to the number of Americans detained in Russia at a time of deep tensions with Washington over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“On May 2, 2024, Russian authorities in Vladivostok, Russia detained a U.S. soldier on charges of criminal misconduct,” U.S. Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said.
She further said that due to the sensitivity of this matter, they were not revealing further details at the time.
When asked earlier about reports of the soldier’s detention in Russia, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: “We are aware of this case.”
NBC News reported that the soldier was traveling to Russia on his own and was not on official business.
The soldier, a staff sergeant, was arrested on suspicion of theft and was being held in custody, CNN reported.
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It is the second time in less than a year that a US soldier has been detained after entering a country with which the United States has strained relations.
Travis King crossed the border into North Korea last July and was held there until he was deported in September. He was later charged with desertion.
Russian authorities have arrested several American citizens in recent years, with critics accusing Moscow of using the detainees as bargaining chips in exchange for Russians imprisoned in the United States.
In December 2022, Russia released American basketball superstar Brittney Griner in exchange for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout – known as the “Death Dealer”.
Efforts to free other Americans who remain in Russian custody continue.
