Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, a US soldier stationed in South Korea, has been detained in Russia on allegations of theft. The 34-year-old was supposed to be returning to his home base at Fort Cavazos, Texas but was arrested in Vladivostok, Russia, on May 2nd. Originally, Black was traveling back from South Korea and took an unscheduled detour to Russia.

The US State Department and a US Army spokesperson have confirmed the incident and stated that Black is receiving consular support. However, the specific reasons behind Black’s deviation to Russia remain unclear, including whether he was absent without official leave.

This incident has escalated tensions between the US and Russia, which have been strained since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The US government has consistently cautioned its citizens about the risks associated with travel to Russia and advised them to leave the country.

The detention of US nationals in Russia is not isolated to Black. Other Americans currently detained include journalist Evan Gershkovich and former WNBA player Brittney Griner, among others. The White House and the Department of State continue to address these detainments, describing some as wrongful, and stress the importance of diplomatic efforts in securing the release and ensuring the safety of US citizens abroad.