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A former US Marine, Trevor Reed was held in a Russian prison for 3 years before being released in a prisoner exchange. Reports that he has been injured while fighting in Ukraine may complicate negotiations for releasing other American citizens still wrongfully detained in Russia.

The State Department confirms that Reed sustained injuries while fighting in Ukraine. Specific details surrounding the incident and his wounds remain unclear. 

After being injured, Reed was transported to a hospital in Kyiv and later evacuated to Germany for medical care. 

The Prisoner Swap

Trevor Reed's ordeal began in 2019 when he was arrested in Moscow on charges of intoxication. He was also accused of endangering the lives and health of Russian police officers during an altercation prior to his arrest.

He was handed a nine-year prison sentence in July 2020.

The charges were vehemently denied by Reed and his family, with the US State Department designating him as wrongfully detained. 

In April 2022, Trevor Reed was finally released from Russian prison through a prisoner exchange deal. 

This deal included Russian citizen Konstantin Yaroshenko, a convicted cocaine smuggler being exchanged for Reed and WNBA star Britney Griner. 

Read more on the prisoner exchange.

Response to Reed's fighting in Ukraine

US officials clarified that Reed was not acting on behalf of the US government when he was wounded in Ukraine.

Vedant Patel, the State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, acknowledged Reed's injury and subsequent evacuation to Germany. Patel emphasized that Reed was not representing the US government.

He also reminded American citizens to avoid traveling to Ukraine, especially for the purpose of engaging in combat, due to the significant risks involved. 

He also refrained from speculating on the impact of Reed's actions on negotiations for the release of other detained Americans in Russia.

The US officials express concern that Reed's involvement in Ukraine may affect negotiations for releasing other American detainees in Russia. And they stressed that these are separate issues. 

Efforts continue to secure the freedom of individuals like Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, who remain wrongfully detained in Russia.