U.S. Army Sergeant Detained in Russia, Continuing American Detention Woes

A U.S. Army sergeant named Gordon D. Black has been apprehended in Russia on suspicions of theft from a woman, as confirmed by two Pentagon officials. Black, who was on the verge of moving from Korea to the U.S., specifically to Fort Cavazos (Ft. Hood), was arrested in Vladivostok on May 2. His mother, Melody Jones, mentioned that Black was visiting his girlfriend in Russia and pleaded for his safety by asking the Russians not to harm him.

The U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, disclosed that the U.S. government is monitoring Black's case along with other Russia-related matters. He refrained from providing further details at the moment. This incident comes in the backdrop of efforts by the U.S. to secure the release of two other Americans wrongfully detained in Russia. One of them is Paul Whelan, a former Marine, who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018 on disputed spying charges and was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020. Similarly, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has also faced imprisonment on espionage accusations that the U.S., his family, and employer adamantly assert are unfounded.

Moreover, the U.S. State Department has cautioned Americans against traveling to Russia for months, emphasizing the heightened risk of detention by Russian security forces. The Department underscored its commitment to supporting detained U.S. citizens abroad and urged individuals in Russia to leave the country promptly. The ongoing issues with detentions in Russia have raised concerns about the safety and diplomatic challenges faced by Americans in the country, with pressure mounting on both governments to address these contentious situations.