U.S. soldier Gordon Black entered a plea of not guilty in a Russian court on Monday regarding charges of threatening to kill his girlfriend. However, he admitted to being “partially” guilty of stealing from her, as reported by Russian state media.
According to RIA news agency, the soldier, speaking through an interpreter, admitted to “partially” acknowledging his guilt in stealing 10,000 roubles ($113) from his girlfriend Alexandra Vashchuk’s purse, but claimed there was no intent behind it.
On the other charge, Mr. Black denied the accusation of grabbing Ms. Vashchuk by the neck during a quarrel, causing her to fear for her life.
Ms. Vashchuk testified that Mr. Black needs psychiatric help rather than heavy punishment and expressed her unwillingness to reconcile with him due to lack of compensation.
Another state news agency, TASS, quoted Ms. Vashchuk stating that Mr. Black had displayed aggression towards her on multiple occasions.
The couple had initially met in South Korea, where Mr. Black was stationed. The Pentagon confirmed that he had violated army rules by traveling to Russia without authorization, having passed through China.
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Mr. Black has a wife and child in Texas. His wife Megan told Reuters last month that he and Ms. Vashchuk had a tumultuous relationship. During a video call, she and her daughter witnessed Ms. Vashchuk pulling a knife on Mr. Black, resulting in him having a bloodied face.
Mr. Black’s mother, Melody Jones, mentioned to Reuters that despite their turbulent relationship, he followed his girlfriend to Russia.
Regarding the theft charge, TASS quoted Mr. Black in court stating that he had transferred over $500 to Ms. Vashchuk via an acquaintance before his arrest, which was significantly more than the amount he was accused of stealing.
According to TASS, Ms. Vashchuk claimed that Mr. Black had also contributed the majority of the cost for the apartment they were staying in. Mr. Black mentioned transferring around 300,000 roubles to her before arriving in Vladivostok from South Korea.
Both parties are set to present their arguments in court during the next session on June 19, where Mr. Black will have the opportunity to make a concluding statement.
($1 = 88.50 roubles)
