Posted on 05/13/2024 7:03:02 PM PDT by AmericanInTokyo
An American soldier was detained on charges of criminal misconduct in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok last week while on leave after finishing his tour of duty in South Korea, officials said Monday.
US Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said that the soldier, whose name was withheld, was detained Thursday, and that the US Army notified his family of his detention.
The soldier was on leave in Russia following the completion of his tour of service in South Korea, a US official told Yonhap News Agency. He was in the process of returning to the United States for his next assignment.
He is not absent without leave or AWOL, the unnamed official added.
"The Russian Federation notified the US Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations," Smith said in a statement.
"The Army notified his family and the US Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia," she added.
The soldier's detention comes as relations between Washington and Moscow have been frayed due to Russia's war against Ukraine and other issues.
The Russians Have A Secret Weapon...
Why was an American soldier even in Russia when we are in conflict with that country, especially when we are aiding the Ukrainians? I am surprised the Defense Department has not declared Russia off limits for members of the armed forces.
He may not be AWOL but he did violate a DoD mandate not allowing any member of Armed Forces to travel to Russia.
Excellent, you’re now back & posting on Free Republic.
It’s about time.....stranger.😀
Russia IS off limits. Apparently, he was flying from ROK to CONUS to see his RUSSIAN wife, who he was having problems with. But somehow he was able to get on a flight to Vladivostok, where he met up with his RUSSIAN girlfriend. It's not clear how he changed his travel or got clearance, or what was going on with the girlfriend that made him decide to fly to Russia rather than go home to his wife. Quite possible she was blackmailing him. It goes without saying that this Staff Sergeant wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed...
RIGHT!
Correct
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