The U.S. military on Monday confirmed reports that Russia had captured a U.S. soldier.
“On May 2, 2024, Russian authorities in Vladivostok, Russia, detained a U.S. soldier on suspicion of criminal activity,” Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith said in a statement.
The Russian Federation notified the US Department of State of the criminal detention pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The Army has notified the family and the U.S. State Department is providing appropriate consular assistance to the Russian soldier. Due to the sensitive nature of this issue, we are unable to provide further details at this time.
According to NBC News, the soldier was detained in Russia after traveling there on his own from South Korea, where he was stationed. report his detention.
The network said the soldiers were not on official duty. Officials said the suspect was charged with “theft from a woman.”
Soldiers join fellow Americans — wall street journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan are being held in Russia. Mr. Gershkovic was detained and imprisoned in March 2023, and Mr. Whelan was arrested in 2018.
Tensions are rising between the United States and Russia. The United States is sending billions of dollars in military and economic aid to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia.
The detention of American troops in Russia threatens to further sour relations and weaken U.S. support for Ukraine, which is already facing growing opposition.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was “deeply concerned” by the detentions.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that a U.S. Army officer has been captured in Russia. President Putin has a long history of taking American citizens hostage. A warning to all Americans, the State Department says. As it stands now, traveling to Russia is not safe,” McCall said in a statement.
CHM @Rep_McCaul: “We are deeply concerned by reports that a U.S. Army officer has been captured in Russia. President Putin has a long history of holding Americans hostage. A warning to all Americans: State Department says… It is not safe to travel to Russia. https://t.co/R4lIdjmDOH
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) May 6, 2024
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