National Security Council and House Foreign Affairs chair warn U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to Russia.
The U.S. Army and National Security Council (NSC) have confirmed that a U.S. soldier was arrested in Russia last week.
Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, who was previously stationed in South Korea, was traveling to Russia recreationally when he was detained by Russian authorities on May 2 in Vladivostok, a port city near the borders of China and North Korea. Authorities claimed that he stole from a woman.
The NSC did not accuse Russia of unlawfully detaining the U.S. soldier but reiterated its strong warning that “U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia at this time — period.” A spokesperson added that the State Department “is providing appropriate consular support to the Soldier in Russia.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul of Texas agreed with the NSC’s announcement, saying that he was “deeply concerned” by the reports.
“Putin has a long history of holding American citizens hostage,” Congressman McCaul wrote. “A warning to all Americans – as the State Department has said, it is not safe to travel to Russia.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chairman McCaul as he seeks to safeguard Americans from detention in foreign lands.
- For State Department officials as they issue travel alerts and advisories to U.S. citizens.
- For U.S. citizens who are being wrongfully imprisoned to turn to the Lord as they hope to be released.
Sources: The Hill, Military Times
