Army confirms Russia detained U.S. soldier last week

The U.S. Army has confirmed that the Russian Federation detained an American soldier in Vladivostok on May 2.

The incident marks the latest Russian detention of an American amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Biden administration previously negotiated a prisoner swap to repatriate WNBA player Brittney Griner, though Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich remains in custody, as does former Marine Paul Whelan, whom Russia detained in 2018.

"The Russian Federation notified the U.S. Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations," U.S. Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith said, per NBC News. "The Army notified his family and the U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the Soldier in Russia. Given the sensitivity of this matter, we are unable to provide additional details at this time."

The soldier remains unidentified and faces accusations of theft. He had visited Russia in an unofficial capacity and was stationed in South Korea, the outlet reported, citing "four U.S. officials." Vladivostok is a city in the Russian far east situated near the border with North Korea.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.