Vlad Kharkov/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
Moscow, Russia – 20 May 2022: The Russian tricolor flag is seen on top of the Kremlin Senate, inside the Kremlin walls. (Photo by: Vlad Karkov/SOPA Images/LightRocket, Getty Images)
CNN
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A U.S. soldier was arrested in Russia last week on suspicion of theft and is currently being held in pretrial detention, two U.S. officials said.
The soldier, a sergeant, was arrested by Russian authorities on May 2, officials said. He is currently stationed in South Korea and reportedly traveled to Russia of his own free will.
An army spokesperson confirmed on Monday that the soldier was detained by Russian authorities in Vladivostok “on suspicion of criminal activity.”
“The Russian Federation has notified the U.S. Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations,” spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said. “The Army has notified his family and the U.S. State Department is providing appropriate consular assistance to the Russian soldier. Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, we are unable to provide further details at this time.”
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has requested consular access to the soldier and notified his family of his detention, officials said.
A number of Americans have been detained in Russia, including two who have been declared unlawfully detained by the U.S. State Department: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. included.
Last July, another soldier stationed in South Korea voluntarily entered North Korea and was immediately detained. Private Travis King crossed the Joint Security Area (JSA) into North Korea during a border tour of civilian areas.
Dr. King was supposed to have boarded a plane to return to the United States to undergo disciplinary proceedings. But after a military escort released him at a security checkpoint at Incheon International Airport near Seoul, King left the airport on his own.
It took several weeks of secret and intensive diplomacy involving multiple countries to secure Dr. King’s release in September. He was charged with escape in October.
CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.
This story has been interrupted and will be updated.
