CNN
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A US soldier arrested in Russia on suspicion of theft, Employees Sgt. Gordon Black, has appeared in court docket within the Russian metropolis of Vladivostok, as his trial received underway on Monday.

Black didn’t admit to expenses of threatening to kill a Russian lady, however partially admitted guilt to theft expenses, in accordance with Russian state information company RIA Novosti.

Black was arrested in Might on expenses of theft in Vladivostok, the place he traveled to go to the lady, believed to be his girlfriend. He’s accused of stealing 10,000 rubles (roughly $112) from her when he visited Russia in April after assembly her in Korea, state information company TASS reported. The US soldier is moreover of assaulting her throughout a quarrel.

He was not approved by the US Protection Division to journey to Russia and didn’t request official clearance to take action when he left his unit in South Korea earlier this 12 months, in accordance with Military spokesperson Cynthia Smith.

The trial comes in opposition to the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rages on. There are a variety of People being held in Russia, together with two who’ve been declared as wrongfully detained by the US State Division – Wall Road Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

Talking to the Pervomaisky District Court docket on Monday, Black mentioned he took the ten,000 rubles (roughly $112) from the lady’s purse, however the subsequent day transferred $125 to her. He mentioned he spent the cash on meals and three nights in a resort, in accordance with RIA.

He additionally mentioned the lady was to gather a deposit of 10,000 rubles from the owner after the tip of the lease of the condominium for which he was paying, RIA mentioned.

The feminine sufferer additionally spoke in court docket on Monday, saying she was not but able to reconcile with the suspect because the harm had not but been compensated.

The following listening to is scheduled for June 19, in accordance with RIA.