A court in the city of Vladivostok in the Russian Far East has started a trial against an American soldier arrested earlier this year on accusation of theft, reported the Associated Press, quoted by BTA.
Sergeant Gordon Black, 34, had traveled to Vladivostok, a Pacific port city, to see his girlfriend and was arrested after she accused him of theft, according to U.S. officials and Russian authorities. If found guilty, he faces up to five years in prison.
Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported from the courtroom of the Pervomay District Court in Vladivostok that the defendant has agreed to testify in the case and will answer the charges against him later in the trial.
According to RIA, the information from the local police indicates that Black is cooperating with the authorities.
Black's arrest further complicates Washington's relationship with Moscow, which has become increasingly strained as fighting in Ukraine continues.
Russia is holding a number of Americans in its prisons, including ex-Marine Paul Whelan and the reporter for the "Wall Street Journal" Evan Gershkovich. The US government has declared the two men wrongfully detained and is trying to negotiate with Russian authorities for their release.
The US State Department advises US citizens not to travel to Russia. According to Pentagon policy, service members must obtain clearance for any international travel from the head of security or commander.
Last month, the U.S. military said Black had not sought permission for the international travel and it had not been authorized by the Department of Defense. Given the hostilities in Ukraine and ongoing threats to the U.S. and its military, it is extremely unlikely that he would have received approval for his trip to Vladivostok, AP notes.