Sentence adds to the number of US nationals held in Russia as Moscow maintains it is still awaiting word on proposed prisoner swaps.
Washington’s answer to offers for prisoner swaps is being awaited by Moscow, according to a Russian court that sentenced an American soldier to prison.
According to state-run TASS and Sputnik, US staff sergeant Gordon Black was sentenced to three years and nine months in a prison colony by the Pervomaisky District Court of Vladivostok on Wednesday for stealing $113 from his fiancée and making death threats against her.
The punishment increases the number of US nationals imprisoned in Russia as a result of the worsening of ties brought on by the invasion of Ukraine. On the same day, a top official stated that Moscow is awaiting a response from Washington over its most recent prisoner exchange plans.
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“Their issue”
At least twelve US nationals are being detained in Russia. They include Paul Whelan, a corporate security officer; Travis Leake, a singer who was detained last year on drug-related accusations; Marc Fogel, a teacher who was sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug-related charges; and Ksenia Khavana, a dual national.
Alsu Kurmasheva, a different dual passport holder, filed an appeal against the prolongation of her pre-trial detention, but the court denied her request on Tuesday. The journalist for Radio Free Europe was accused of disseminating “false information” about the military when she was detained eight months ago.
On Tuesday, Wall Street Journal writer Evan Gershkovich—who has rejected all allegations of espionage—will go on trial behind closed doors.
In February, President Vladimir Putin announced that discussions were underway to exchange the journalist for a prisoner; however, the Kremlin has not provided any updates on the status of the talks.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russian news agency TASS, “The ball is in the court of the United States; we are waiting for them to respond to the ideas that were presented to them.”
“The pertinent members of the US government are well aware of them. I am aware that these concepts might not be to everyone’s taste in America. Their issue is that, he continued.
“Tumultuous situation”
While visiting his Russian lover Alexandra Vashuk in the Pacific port city of Vladivostok last month, 34-year-old Black was taken into custody.
Black was accused by Vashuk of intimidating her and taking 10,000 roubles ($113). The couple allegedly had a turbulent romance, according to the soldier’s family, which includes his wife and the mother of his kid who lives in Texas.
Black entered a plea of “partially guilty” for stealing while standing in a glass cage in the courtroom, and not guilty for uttering death threats. The verdict will be appealed by his defense attorney.
Using the dating app Tinder, Black and Vashuk first connected in October 2022 while in South Korea and went on to date there. Black was then invited to Vladivostok by Vashuk.
This year, Black left the Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of South Korea with the intention of permanently changing his station to Fort Cavazos in Texas. However, he took a plane to China and then proceeded to Russia to meet with Vashchuk.
According to the Pentagon, Black violated army regulations by visiting China and Russia without permission.
