Army Halts Pay for U.S. Soldier Sentenced in Russia

The U.S. Army has stopped paying wages and allowances to Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, who was sentenced to nearly four years in a Russian penal colony for theft and threatening murder. Black, who violated several Army rules, could face prosecution if he returns to the United States.

The U.S. Army has ceased paying wages and allowances to Staff Sergeant Gordon Black after his conviction in Russia for theft and threatening murder, officials revealed. Black's actions, including traveling to Russia without authorization and having an extramarital affair, breached Army regulations.

Senior officials compared Black's situation to that of Private Travis King, stressing that Black will likely face consequences upon his return to the U.S. The case adds to the challenges U.S. officials face with high-profile detentions in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan.

Black's arrest occurred following an argument with his Russian girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk. Despite pleading not guilty to threatening her, he admitted to stealing money out of necessity. The Army's decision to halt his pay has drawn criticism for potentially legitimizing Russian judicial processes.