Topline
A U.S. soldier was detained in Russia during the weekend after being accused of stealing from a woman, according to multiple reports, which cited three unnamed U.S. officials.
Key Facts
The detained soldier was stationed in Korea and traveled to Russia on his own, NBC reported, noting he was not on official business.
Russia is holding the soldier in pre-trial detention, CNN reported, citing two U.S. officials and noting the U.S. embassy in Moscow is seeking consular access to the soldier.
The soldier has been accused of stealing from a woman, though the legitimacy of his charges are unclear, according to NBC.
Russia notified the U.S. State Department of the soldier’s detention and the Army notified his family, according to U.S. Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith.
The Pentagon referred Forbes’ request for comment to the Army, which did not immediately respond to an inquiry.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Key Background
The unnamed soldier is one of multiple Americans to be detained in Russia in recent years. In 2020, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan was found guilty of spying for the U.S. and sentenced in Moscow City Court to 16 years in a maximum security prison. Whelan called his trial a “sham” and said he was innocent, claiming he was set up by being given a flash drive containing sensitive information he was unaware of. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been detained in Russia on espionage charges since last March and faces up to 20 years in prison. Gershkovich lived in Moscow for six years and reported extensively on Russia’s war against Ukraine. The U.S. government has maintained that both Whelan and Gershkovich have been wrongly detained. WNBA star Brittney Griner spent 10 months in prison in Russia over drug possession and smuggling charges and returned to the U.S. through a high-profile prisoner swap for a Russian arms dealer.
Further Reading
U.S. soldier detained in Russia, officials say (NBC News)
US soldier was arrested in Russia last week, officials say (CNN)
Evan Gershkovich: Updates on the WSJ Reporter Detained in Russia (WSJ)
