A former US Marine, Trevor Reed, who had beforehand spent greater than two years in a Russian jail, has been injured whereas combating in Ukraine, the State Division confirmed.
Reed was launched from Moscow’s custody in April 2022 as a part of a prisoner swap and had chosen to journey to Ukraine independently to affix the struggle.
The State Division emphasised that Reed was not appearing on behalf of the US authorities throughout his involvement within the battle. Nevertheless, he sustained unspecified accidents and has been transported to Germany for medical therapy with the help of a non-public, non-governmental organisation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Americans in opposition to touring to Ukraine and fascinating within the ongoing hostilities. “It underscores why we proceed to name on Individuals to not journey to Ukraine and to not struggle there,” Blinken mentioned throughout a information convention in Tonga.
Regardless of Reed’s scenario, Blinken stays dedicated to efforts to convey house two different Individuals held in Russia, together with Wall Road Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan.
The circumstances surrounding Reed’s harm have raised considerations in regards to the involvement of overseas volunteers within the battle. White Home Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre careworn the federal government’s specific warnings in opposition to touring to Ukraine and taking part in combating. “Now we have been terribly, terribly specific in telling folks to not journey to Ukraine, not to mention take part in combating,” she mentioned.
When requested in regards to the potential affect of Reed’s case on the discharge of different Individuals held in Russia, Jean-Pierre emphasised that the conditions have been distinct and never instantly associated.
Trevor Reed’s journey has been marked by outstanding twists, from being a college pupil to a prisoner in Russia and now a volunteer in Ukraine’s wrestle for independence. Nevertheless, his accidents make clear the hazards confronted by those that select to have interaction within the battle firsthand.
Whereas the US authorities maintains its dedication to securing the discharge of detained Individuals, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers concerned in such endeavors.