Central Asian Leaders to Attend Victory Day Parade in Moscow
Two U.S. Nationals Arrested in Russia Raise Concerns of Hostage Tactics
Russian officials recently confirmed the arrest of two U.S. nationals in separate cases, heightening concerns that Moscow may be targeting Americans for detainment as potential bargaining chips in prisoner swaps.
The Pervomaisky district court in Vladivostok ordered the arrest of U.S. Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, placing him in pretrial detention until at least July 2. Meanwhile, another American, identified as William Russell Nycum, was detained in Moscow on charges of “petty hooliganism” and alcohol-related offenses.
U.S. authorities acknowledged the arrest of a soldier in Russia, accusing him of theft after traveling from South Korea without proper authorization. The soldier had reportedly visited his girlfriend in Russia during a two-week leave from his base in South Korea when he was detained upon arrival in Vladivostok.
These recent detentions add to the list of U.S. citizens currently held in Russia, under varying circumstances. Among them are journalists and individuals convicted on charges deemed politically motivated by their supporters and the U.S. government.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow confirmed the detention of two U.S. citizens in Russia but refrained from disclosing their names. The arrests come amidst escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington, reminiscent of the Cold War era.
Concerns have been raised over whether the detained soldier in Russia will be considered absent without leave by the U.S. military. U.S. officials have expressed apprehension over Russian authorities potentially holding American citizens as hostages for political leverage.
In response to the incident, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul voiced his concerns over the detainment, emphasizing the history of Russian President Vladimir Putin holding American citizens hostage.
The State Department had previously issued a “Do Not Travel” warning to U.S. citizens in light of ongoing tensions, citing the risk of American citizens being singled out for detainment by Russian security officials.
As the situation unfolds, the fate of the detained U.S. nationals in Russia remains uncertain, further complicating relations between the two countries.
