Arrest of an American Soldier in Russia; Officials Say He is Accused of 'Theft'

Two U.S. officials announced on Monday, May 6, that an American soldier was arrested last Thursday in Vladivostok, eastern Russia, and is accused of 'theft' and 'criminal misconduct.' The soldier, whose identity has not been disclosed, was stationed in South Korea and was returning to the United States, but it is unclear how he ended up in Russia. Cynthia Smith, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army, confirmed the soldier's arrest in Russia, stating that Moscow officially informed the United States, the U.S. Army, and the soldier's family of the arrest, and the U.S. State Department is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia. This incident occurs less than a year after an American soldier named Travis King crossed the border from South Korea into North Korea, was detained there, and later returned to the United States. Travis King was accused of desertion after this action and was discharged from the U.S. Army. Russia has extended the detention of American journalist 'Radio Free Europe' for the third time. Biden on the anniversary of an American journalist's detention by Russia: Journalism is not a crime. The detention order for Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist in Russia, has been extended for another three months. A Russian court has again extended the detention of Gershkovich, an American journalist, 'without charges.' The U.S. Secretary of State spoke with Paul Whelan, an American citizen imprisoned in Russia.