Melody Jones, the worried mother of U.S. soldier Staff Sgt. Gordon Black who is currently in Russian custody, believes that her son was lured to Russia by his girlfriend Aleksandra Vashchuk, who he had been dating for over a year in South Korea. Jones suspects that Vashchuk set Black up and that the theft charges against her son are fabricated. Black, a 34-year-old experienced soldier with 16 years of service, was detained by Russian authorities in Vladivostok after traveling from his military base in South Korea, where he was stationed. The Army is investigating whether Russia’s intelligence services specifically targeted Black for arrest.
Despite warnings against traveling to Russia, Black made the trip for personal reasons, feeling compelled to see Vashchuk before returning to the U.S. for a new assignment. Jones expressed concerns about the situation, particularly regarding Vashchuk’s influence over her son. Black was charged with secretly stealing property and is being held in custody until at least July 2 by the Pervomaisky District Court in Vladivostok. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has stated that the detention is not related to politics or espionage.
Black, who spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan during his military service, was stationed in South Korea before heading to Texas for his new assignment. Jones, who received a call from the State Department about her son’s arrest, has not heard from anyone since then, but she remains hopeful that his wife has been in contact with the military. Concerned for his safety, Jones advised Black not to travel to Russia, especially given the recent detention of other Americans in the country. She recounted her son’s message assuring her that he is okay, but she remains anxious about his well-being.
Black’s mother emphasized her son’s good character and military service, describing him as a “good boy with a cute, crooked smile” and a dedicated soldier. She shared that Black’s daughter, who is 6 and a half years old, misses her father and is anxious about his well-being. Jones also revealed that Black is not her only son, as she has two other sons and a daughter, so she will have company on Mother’s Day. Despite the challenges her family is facing, Jones remains steadfast in her hope for her son’s safe return and is doing everything in her power to support him during this difficult time.
The family’s worries are compounded by the uncertainty of Black’s situation, his legal status in Russian custody, and the lack of communication from Russian or U.S. authorities. While the Army investigates the circumstances of Black’s travel and detention, Jones is left to navigate the complex legal and diplomatic issues surrounding her son’s case. The emotional toll of not knowing her son’s fate, coupled with the challenges of being kept in the dark about developments, makes Jones’ vigil for Black’s return all the more difficult as she grapples with the fear and uncertainty of the situation. Despite the obstacles, Jones remains hopeful that her son will be able to return home soon and be reunited with his family.
