US Army stops paying Soldier held by Russians— and may take harsher actions

The US Army has halted payments to a soldier sentenced to nearly four years in a Russian penal colony— and may take harsher actions against him if they ever get their hands on him again.

Gordon Black, a 34-year-old staff sergeant, was convicted in Russia for various crimes following his journey to Russia without US authorization, using a route through China.

Black, who was involved in a forbidden extramarital affair with a Russian woman named Alexandra Vashchuk, committed adultery while in South Korea and followed the Russian to Vladivostok.

Eventually, the honeymoon phase came to an end and Vashchuk reported Black for assault, threats and theft.

A senior US defense official compared Black’s case to that of Private Travis King, who crossed into North Korea last year and was later charged with desertion upon his return.

The official suggested that Black would likely face less-than-merciful consequences for his actions upon returning to the US.

“This is similar to what happened with Private King. When Black returns, he will probably face consequences for his behavior,” the official said. “The Army is committed to addressing unacceptable actions.”

Black’s situation adds to the challenges US officials face with several other high-profile detentions in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry claims Black’s case is not political, and the US military has not commented on the charges against him in Russia.

Black was arrested in Vladivostok in May after an argument with Vashchuk. In June, a Russian judge found him guilty of stealing 10,000 rubles (about $116) from her purse and threatening to kill her. Black admitted to taking the money but denied the threat, claiming he took the money out of necessity.

Black’s defense lawyer in Russia, who plans to appeal the verdict, was not available for comment. The US Army faces a dilemma due to the high-profile nature of Black’s arrest and the impact on his virtually abandoned family, who rely on his benefits.

In May, the military quietly stopped paying Black’s wages and housing allowance. An Army spokesperson confirmed that Black’s status is now “Confined Civilian Authority” (CCA), meaning he is kept on active duty without pay or allowances. However, his family still receives medical benefits and base privileges.

Franklin Rosenblatt, a law professor and former Army Judge Advocate General, noted that while the decision to change Black’s status to CCA is routine in the US, it could be controversial in Russia.

“Assigning CCA status to him in Russia might seem like we’re legitimizing the Russian proceedings,” Rosenblatt said.

The Army is not providing Black with special military counsel.

Interviews with Black’s wife and mother reveal a tumultuous relationship between Black and Vashchuk. His wife, Megan, recalled an incident where Vashchuk stabbed Black during a video call. His mother, Melody Jones, mentioned that despite their frequent fights, Black followed Vashchuk to Russia.

According to Reuters, Russian prosecutors claimed Black grabbed Vashchuk by the neck and took her money during an argument. Black disputed this claim, arguing that Vashchuk had been drinking and struck him first in a fit of rage.

Rosenblatt suggested that while the Army might want to prosecute Black, they may reconsider if he serves his full sentence in Russia.

“Serving that sentence in Russia could be a reason for leniency,” he said.

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