An American soldier was arrested in Russia last week, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the National Security Council on Monday.
The spokesperson told The Hill in a statement that the State Department is currently working to get consular access to the individual, who was not in Russia representing or associated with the U.S. government.
The spokesperson directed additional inquiries about the individual’s employment to the Pentagon, which then referred The Hill to the Army.
On Monday, National Security spokesperson John Kirby also informed reporters that the White House is aware of the detained soldier.
NBC first reported that a service member previously stationed in South Korea traveled to Russia independently and was not on official duty when he was apprehended on May 2 in Vladivostok, a port city bordering China and North Korea.
According to four U.S. officials, the soldier is accused of stealing from a woman, as reported by the outlet.
The NSC spokesperson emphasized the U.S.'s obligation to aid American citizens abroad while emphasizing its strong warning that “U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia at this time — period.”
