A Russian court has upheld the nearly four-year prison sentence of U.S. soldier Gordon Black, who was convicted of theft and making death threats against his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashuk. Black, detained in Vladivostok after an argument with Vashuk, partially admitted to stealing approximately $113 but denied threatening her. His appeal was rejected by the Primorye Regional Court, which stated that the original verdict was to remain. Black's defense contended that the decision was flawed and ignored evidence supporting his innocence, but the court dismissed these arguments. This case is part of a broader pattern of Americans detained in Russia, a situation that has raised concerns in Washington over potential political motivations behind such arrests. Black's case follows a recent prisoner swap involving other U.S. citizens held in Russia.