A US soldier was detained in Russia last week on charges of "criminal conduct," the US military said.
The soldier, who has not been named, adds to the number of Americans detained in the country amid deep tensions with Washington over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
"On May 2, 2024, Russian authorities in Vladivostok, Russia, detained a U.S. soldier on charges of criminal conduct," said U.S. Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith.
Russia notified the U.S. State Department, which "provided appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia," and the Army notified his family, Smith said.
"Given the sensitivity of this matter, we cannot provide further details at this time," she added.
When asked earlier about reports of the soldier's detention in Russia, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, "We are aware of this case."
The soldier had traveled to Russia independently and was not on official business, according to ABC News.
The soldier, a master sergeant, was arrested on suspicion of theft and is currently in investigative custody, CNN reported.
Several other Americans have been detained in Russia, including Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested on espionage charges more than a year ago. / BGNES
