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By Gabe Whisnant
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National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Monday that the White House is aware of the report of a U.S. soldier being detained over the weekend in Russia.
The soldier, who is not being identified, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home, according to the Associated Press. Instead, he traveled to Russia. According to two U.S. officials, the soldier was arrested late last week in Vladivostok, a Pacific port city, and remains in custody.
The officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.
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"I can't really say much about it right now. Certainly, it's a better question put to our DOD [Department of Defense] colleagues, but we're certainly aware of this case," Kirby responded on Monday to a question about the report during a press briefing.
Cynthia Smith, a U.S. Army spokeswoman, confirmed to Newsweek via email Monday that a soldier was detained on Thursday on charges of criminal misconduct. She added that Russia notified the U.S. and the soldier's family has been informed.
"The Russian Federation notified the U.S. Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. 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," Smith told Newsweek.
It was unclear Monday if the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.
Newsweek has reached out to the Department of Defense and the Kremlin via email Monday afternoon for comment.
This is a developing news story and will be updated when more information becomes available.
Update: 5/6/24, 6:17 p.m.: This story has been updated with additional information.
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