Smith. The soldier, whose identity has not been disclosed, was apprehended on May 2nd in Vladivostok.

It has been confirmed by four US officials that the soldier had been stationed in South Korea and had traveled to Russia independently, not on official business. The soldier is accused of stealing from a woman, although further details surrounding the alleged theft have not been provided at this time.

The Russian Federation promptly notified the US Department of State about the soldier's criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as stated by Cynthia O. Smith. The soldier's family has been informed, and the US Department of State is providing appropriate consular support.

The incident has raised concerns among US lawmakers, with Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul, expressing deep concern over the soldier's detention. McCaul cautioned against travel to Russia, citing President Vladimir Putin's history of holding American citizens hostage.

This detention adds to a rising number of Americans being held in Russia, including both civilians and prominent individuals. The Associated Press reported that arrests of Americans in Russia have been on the rise as diplomatic relations between the two countries have deteriorated to Cold War lows.

Among the notable cases of wrongful detention are Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed last March, and former Marine Paul Whelan, who was arrested in 2018. The US government has vehemently contested their detentions, claiming they are unjust.

As of now, no further details regarding the soldier's case have been made available. This story continues to develop.