World News
By Caitlin Doornbos and Diana Glebova
Published May 7, 2024, 3:11 p.m. ET
American Soldier Detained in Russia
An American soldier who was recently imprisoned in Russia expressed understanding for Russia’s perspective on the conflict in Ukraine and echoed Moscow’s criticisms of NATO in videos shared on his Russian ex-girlfriend’s TikTok account.
Army Staff Sgt. Gordon C. Black, 34, stated, “I think NATO is pretty aggressive. Honestly, I understand Russia’s position. Obviously, they want to defend their country,” in a video alongside his then-girlfriend Aleksa Viktorovna.
Arrest and Charges
Black was apprehended on May 2 in Vladivostok, near Russia’s borders with North Korea and China, on charges of “theft of personal property” after traveling to visit his former girlfriend, according to Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith.
After completing his duty in South Korea, Black flew to Vladivostok without official authorization, violating the Defense Department’s travel guidelines.
Investigation and Allegations
An administrative inquiry has been initiated by the Army to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Black’s trip, as confirmed by deputy Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh.
Details about the accusations against Black remain undisclosed, and the individual who reported the incident is unknown.
Personal and Political Views
Black’s statements align with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertions that NATO poses a threat to Russia’s security and falsely claims historical rights to Ukrainian territory.
Viktorovna, also known as Aleksandra Vashchuk, echoed similar sentiments in her TikTok posts, criticizing NATO’s presence in various countries.
Political Preferences
Black expressed dissatisfaction with President Biden and agreed with Viktorovna’s opinion that “Trump is better.” He attributed the strained US-Russia relations to Biden’s handling of international affairs, contrasting it with the previous administration.
Black also highlighted tensions with China, emphasizing the deteriorating relationships with other nations under the current US leadership.
Relationship Dynamics
Viktorovna’s treatment of Black in the videos was often harsh, with instances of name-calling and teasing in both English and Russian. She expressed frustration over TikTok’s removal of a video featuring Black due to violations of community guidelines.
Russian Woman’s Influence on US Serviceman
In a recent incident, Gordon Black, a US serviceman, presented Aleksa Viktorovna with an iPad, while she reciprocated with a humble gift of socks.
Aleksa Viktorovna’s Actions
Viktorovna, a 31-year-old Russian woman, captured a video where she prompted Black to say “Russian Victory Day” in Russian, followed by her declaration of “Today we are going to torture Americans and Germans.”
During another video, Viktorovna humorously referred to Black as her “husband” while he repeated Russian curse words. She sported a T-shirt with a bold statement in Russian and playfully questioned Black’s knowledge of the language.
She even narrated a hypothetical situation where Russian soldiers would contemplate executing Black for his use of profanity.
Gordon Black’s Background
Black, who has served in the Army for over 15 years, enlisted as an infantryman in 2008. He has been deployed to Iraq from October 2009 to September 2010 and to Afghanistan from June 2013 to March 2014.
Currently, Black is in pretrial detention until at least July 2, facing a potential imprisonment of up to five years in Russia if convicted.
Additional information provided by Jennie Taer.
New Perspective on Recent Events
Recent events have brought to light a concerning situation involving a US soldier who was arrested in Russia. The soldier reportedly told his local girlfriend that he supported Trump and repeated the Kremlin’s line on aggressive NATO policies. This incident has raised questions about international relations and the role of individuals in diplomatic matters.
Implications of the Incident
The arrest of the US soldier in Russia has sparked debates about the influence of political beliefs on personal relationships. It also highlights the delicate balance of power dynamics between nations and the impact of individual actions on diplomatic efforts.
Adding Context to the Story
It is important to consider the broader context of this incident and its implications for global politics. The soldier’s statements reflect a larger trend of political polarization and the challenges of navigating differing ideologies in a globalized world.
Looking Towards the Future
As we reflect on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of international relations and the need for open dialogue and understanding. Moving forward, it is crucial to address underlying tensions and work towards building bridges between nations.
Stay Informed
For more information on this developing story, visit here.
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The most prominent looks of the stars at the 2024 Met Gala
The looks of the stars varied at this year’s annual Met Gala, and the atmosphere of nature and flowers dominated most of the designs, in application of the party’s theme, “The Garden of Time.” The colors were dazzling spring and the designs were charming, inspired by nature, in addition to some exceptional touches, which add a special elegance to the annual event. , which is considered one of the biggest events in the world of fashion.
International star Shakira chose the fiery red color in a striking classic dress signed by Carolina Herrera. It came in a long, straight-cut design with a soft design at the chest and a studded brooch at the abdomen with soft openings, falling straight with a high leg opening. The design featured a long cape that wrapped around her arms with a puffy ruffle, with a train extending to the floor.
International fashion model Gigi Hadid caught the eye with her luxurious dress, which was signed by Thom Browne. It was completely white and its fabric was decorated with embroidered and prominent yellow roses with their green branches. The dress was distinguished by its narrow corset-style top design with an off-shoulder cut, draping at the waist with a large yellow rose and expanding into the waist. The bottom is mermaid-cut with ruffles decorated with black satin stripes and a puffy train that extends to the floor.
Gigi completed her dazzling look with some soft diamond jewelry that matched the dress.
The look of the star Demi Moore was one of the striking looks because it was out of the ordinary and appropriate to the title of the party. She shined in a strange dress in terms of design in the shape of a huge heart in black, and its sides were highlighted in the form of two wings from which pointed arrows flew. The dress was embroidered with large roses in shades of pink.
The international star was adorned with a huge diamond-studded necklace from Cartier.
The star, Ariana Grande, shined in a simple white strapless dress designed by Loewe. It was sleeveless and had a shiny corset style at the top. It fell after the waist in the form of a loose skirt decorated with eye-catching pleats, with a soft tulle ruffle at the waist that added a soft touch to the look.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian chose a dress that highlighted her slimness with a sculptural design signed by Maison Margiela. It was made of transparent fabric covered with metallic rose embroideries in silver, in a narrow corset design that highlighted her slim waist, and draped straight with transparent fabric decorated with flowers. The dress was accompanied by gray wool sleeves.
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Operation Praetorian: MP requests preventive detention for Madureira and “Polaco” | public ministry
This Tuesday, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) requested preventive detention for Fernando Madureira, leader of the Super Dragões, and Hugo “Polaco”, a member of the cheer squad, within the scope of the Operation Praetorianand house arrest with electronic surveillance for Vítor Catão.
A judicial source told the Lusa agency that, in promoting the coercive measures to be applied to the defendants by the Criminal Investigation Court (TIC) of Porto, the MP prosecutor defended that Madureira and Hugo Carneiro (“Polish”) be subject to the coercive measure most serious: preventive detention.
For Vítor Catão, who chose not to make a statement before the criminal investigation judge Pedro Miguel Vieira, the MP defended the application of house arrest, with electronic surveillance.
For the remaining nine defendants, the MP prosecutor requested a ban on contact, a ban on access to sports venues and periodic presentations to the authorities.
After the MP’s promotions, the lawyers for the 12 defendants presented their respective arguments, but the coercive measures will only be known on Wednesday afternoon, at 4 pm.
However, at the end of the afternoon, Fernando Madureira’s wife, Sandra, and five of the seven detained at the Bela Vista police station (Hugo Loureiro, Fernando Saul, Vítor ‘Aleixo’, Vítor Bruno Oliveira and José Pereira) were released.
The investigations began with a significant delay, compared to the scheduled time (10 am), with the investigating judge Pedro Miguel Vieira arriving at the TIC at 11 am.
Last Wednesday, the PSP detained 12 people – including two FC Porto employees and the leader of the Super Dragões, Fernando Madureira -, as part of the Operation Praetorianwhich investigates the incidents that occurred at the extraordinary General Assembly (GA) of FC Porto on November 13th.
According to court documents, to which the Lusa agency had access, the Public Prosecutor’s Office maintains that the Super Dragões fans intended to “create a climate of intimidation and fear” at the FC Porto AG.
The District Attorney General’s Office of Porto announced that the issues are “crimes of harm to physical integrity in the context of a sporting event or event related to the sporting phenomenon, coercion and aggravated threat, public instigation of a crime, throwing of objects or liquid products and also an attack on freedom of information”.
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Operation Praetorian: MP requests preventive detention for Madureira and “Polaco” | public ministry