The soldier, a staff sergeant, was arrested on May 2 after voluntarily traveling to Russia from his stationed location in South Korea.

According to two US officials, the soldier's detention was confirmed by an Army spokesperson who stated that he was charged with criminal misconduct. The Russian Federation adhered to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and notified the US Department of State about the soldier's criminal detention. The Department of State is now providing necessary consular support to the soldier, while the US Embassy in Moscow is seeking consular access to him.

The Army spokesperson, Cynthia Smith, mentioned that due to the sensitivity of the matter, additional details cannot be shared at this time. However, the soldier's family has been informed of his detention.

This incident adds to the number of Americans being held in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan, both of whom have been declared as wrongfully detained by the US State Department.

It is noteworthy to mention a similar case from last year, where another soldier stationed in South Korea willingly crossed into North Korea and was immediately detained. Pvt. Travis King, who had been on a border tour, ran across the Joint Security Area (JSA) and into North Korea. After an intense diplomatic effort involving multiple countries, King was eventually released in September, but he was charged with desertion in October.

The current detention of the American soldier in Russia further highlights the complexity and sensitivity surrounding such incidents. As the situation unfolds, diplomatic efforts will likely play a crucial role in resolving the matter and securing the soldier's release.