An American soldier has been arrested in Russia on charges of criminal misconduct, according to two U.S. officials. The soldier, who was stationed in South Korea and on his way back to the United States, instead traveled to Russia. The soldier's identity has not been disclosed.
Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed the soldier's detention in Vladivostok, a significant military and commercial Pacific port. The U.S. Department of State is providing consular support to the soldier in Russia, as per Smith.
It remains unclear whether the soldier is considered absent without leave (AWOL). This incident follows the arrest of American soldier Travis King, who crossed into North Korea from the Korean border last year and was later expelled by North Korea.
Russia currently holds several Americans in its jails, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, both designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government. Other detainees include musician Travis Leake, teacher Marc Fogel, and dual nationals Alsu Kurmasheva and Ksenia Khavana.
The soldier's arrest in Russia was initially reported by NBC News.
