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.
