U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, detained in Russia since early May, pleaded partially guilty to charges of theft in the Primorsky Court in Vladivostok on Monday. Black, 35, admitted to stealing 10,000 rubles (approximately $112) from his girlfriend but denied allegations of threatening to kill her. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia amid the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict.
Black was arrested in Vladivostok after allegedly stealing the money from his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, during a visit. Russian media reported that the theft occurred after the couple had a disagreement. Black was detained following a tip-off from Vashchuk, who reported the missing money to local law enforcement. He was found in a hotel in the city.
U.S. serviceman Gordon Black, detained in the Russian city of Vladivostok, has pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to kill his girlfriend and partially guilty to theft charges, RIA news agency reported on Monday. pic.twitter.com/c1cjuxmTX1
— Geopolitical Kid (@Geopoliticalkid) June 17, 2024
Black’s trial, which started on Monday, involves charges of theft and assault. Through an interpreter, he admitted to taking the money but claimed he had no intention of permanently keeping it. He stated he had returned the money the next day through an acquaintance. However, he refuted the accusation of assaulting Vashchuk during their quarrel.
Vashchuk testified in court, suggesting that Black needed psychiatric help rather than severe punishment. She expressed unwillingness to reconcile with him due to the unresolved compensation issue. Vashchuk also alleged that Black had been aggressive towards her on multiple occasions.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that Black had not been authorized to travel to Russia and had not requested official clearance before leaving his unit in South Korea. Black has a wife and child in Texas, and his wife, Megan, described his relationship with Vashchuk as tumultuous. She recounted an incident during a video call where Vashchuk allegedly attacked Black with a knife.
The trial is taking place amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Moscow. The U.S. State Department has declared two other Americans, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan, as wrongfully detained in Russia.
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