Russian Court Eases Sentence of U.S. Soldier Convicted in Domestic Dispute

A Russian court has shortened the prison term of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, who was found guilty of threatening his girlfriend’s life and stealing from her, according to reports by state media on Monday.

Initially sentenced to three years and nine months in June 2024 by a Vladivostok court, Black’s term was reduced to three years and two months following an appeal, as reported by the state-owned TASS news agency.

His attorney requested the court to dismiss the threat charge against his girlfriend and to lessen the theft charge, as covered by the business publication Kommersant.

Black was taken into custody in May 2024 during a visit to Alexandra Vashuk, a Russian woman he had a relationship with while stationed in South Korea. She alleged that he stole 10,000 rubles (approximately $118) and physically assaulted her following an argument.

While Black admitted to being «partially guilty» of theft, he denied the allegations of threatening Vashuk, according to Russian media at the time.

This reduction in sentencing occurs as U.S.-Russia relations display signs of improvement, with U.S. President Donald Trump aiming to shift away from the isolationist stance of his predecessor in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In February, Russia released another American, Kalob Byers, just days after his arrest at a Moscow airport for possessing cannabis-infused gummies.

Several Americans continue to be incarcerated in Russia, including dual citizen Ksenia Karelina and retired educator Stephen Hubbard.