Payam Javan: A U.S. Army soldier was recently arrested while traveling through Russia, according to a statement from Cynthia Smith, a U.S. Army spokeswoman. The soldier was detained in Vladivostok, but the exact purpose of their visit to Russia remains unclear.

The U.S. State Department was notified about the arrest as per diplomatic protocols, but the soldier’s identity has not been disclosed.

Efforts to secure their release are ongoing, amid strained relations between the two countries. This incident follows other cases of U.S. citizens facing legal issues in Russia, including the detention of retired Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges.