A U.S. Army soldier has been detained by Russian authorities in the port city Vladivostok on charges of criminal misconduct, the State and Defense Departments said on Monday, adding what is likely to be another complication in the contentious relationship between Moscow and Washington.
A military official identified the soldier as Staff Sgt.
He was apprehended on May 2, and Russia notified the State Department of the soldier’s “criminal detention” in accordance with international agreements between the two nations.
“The Army notified his family, and the U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia,” Cynthia O. Smith, an Army spokeswoman, said in a statement.
A State Department official reiterated the U.S. government’s warning for Americans not to travel to Russia.
Persons:
Gordon Black, ” Cynthia O, Smith, Sergeant Black
Organizations:
U.S . Army, State and Defense, State Department of, Army, U.S . Department of State, State Department, NBC News
Locations:
Vladivostok, Moscow, Washington, Fort Cavazos, Texas, South Korea, Russia