A US soldier has been arrested and is currently being held in Russia for allegedly stealing from a woman. The soldier, who had been stationed in South Korea, traveled to Russia on his own account and not for official business. The Biden administration has been made aware of the situation but has declined to comment further, deferring questions to the Department of Defense. The DOD referred inquiries to the Army, which has not responded to requests for information. The State Department has issued a warning for US citizens in Russia to leave immediately due to the heightened risk in the country amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increased aggression towards Americans.
In a separate incident, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained by Russian authorities in March 2023 on espionage charges and is currently being held. This comes after former Marine Paul Whelan was arrested in December 2018 and charged with espionage while in Moscow for a friend’s wedding. Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020. Additionally, women’s basketball star Britney Griner was released from a Russian prison in December 2022 in exchange for the US setting free arms trader Viktor Bout from federal prison. Griner had been arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February of that year.
The situation involving the detained US soldier has raised concerns about the safety of Americans in Russia, prompting the State Department to issue a level four “do not travel” risk advisory. The ongoing war in Ukraine and increased hostilities towards foreigners in Russia have heightened tensions and created a dangerous environment for Americans. The Biden administration is monitoring the situation and working with the Department of Defense to gather more information about the soldier’s arrest and potential charges. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby has stated that the administration is aware of the report but has refrained from commenting further at this time.
The case of the US soldier being held in Russia adds to a series of incidents involving Americans facing legal trouble in the country. From journalists to former military personnel, individuals have been arrested on various charges, including espionage and drug-related offenses. The detention of the soldier underscores the risks and challenges that American citizens face in Russia, where tensions with the US have escalated in recent years. It is important for US citizens to exercise caution and be aware of the potential dangers when traveling to or residing in Russia, as incidents like these highlight the unpredictable nature of the political climate and the potential consequences of getting caught in legal disputes.
As the Biden administration navigates the delicate situation with the detained soldier, it remains crucial for US officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of American citizens in Russia. The State Department’s advisory urging US citizens to leave the country immediately underscores the heightened risks and potential threats faced by Americans in Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Kremlin’s increased aggression towards foreigners have created a volatile environment that poses significant challenges for US citizens. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can help mitigate the risks and protect themselves from potential dangers while in Russia. It is essential to monitor developments closely and follow guidance from the US government to ensure the safety and security of Americans in Russia.
