Trevor Reed: Ex-US marine freed by Russia is injured fighting in Ukraine

A US antheral who was jailed by Russia for astir 3 years earlier being released successful a 2022 captive swap has been injured portion warring successful Ukraine.

Ex-US Marine Trevor Reed was wounded portion warring against Russia's invasion, the US State Department said connected Tuesday.

Officials adhd that helium "was not engaged successful immoderate activities connected behalf of the US government" and reiterated that Americans should not question to Ukraine.

Mr Reed has been transported to Germany by a non-governmental organisation.

State Department lawman spokesperson Vedant Patel said astatine a briefing that US officials "are aware" of Mr Reed's injuries and the information that helium has been taken to Germany for treatment.

"We person been incredibly wide that traveling to Ukraine, choosing to enactment successful the warring there, has a precise existent hazard of capture, of death, of bodily harm, and that continues to beryllium our assessment," Mr Patel said.

The circumstances of Mr Reed's injuries - and however oregon erstwhile helium came to combat for Ukraine - are not clear. Officials archer US media helium was injured successful eastbound Ukraine earlier being taken to infirmary successful Kyiv and past sent connected to Germany.

The Messenger, which archetypal reported Mr Reed's injuries, says helium suffered shrapnel wounds from stepping connected a onshore excavation 2 weeks ago.

According to CBS News, the BBC's US partner, sources accidental helium is being treated astatine a subject module successful the German municipality of Landstuhl for a laceration to an extremity.

In 2019, Mr Reed was convicted successful Russia of warring with constabulary officers portion connected a drunken nighttime out.

The US had deemed him to beryllium wrongfully detained successful Russia, calling his proceedings "theatre of the absurd".

He was released successful 2022 successful speech for a Russian aviator who had been convicted successful the US of cocaine smuggling charges.

The US is presently moving to escaped 2 Americans besides considered to beryllium wrongfully detained successful Russia - businessman Paul Whelan and writer Evan Gershkovich.

Russia and Ukraine person not yet commented connected Mr Reed's injuries.

David Whelan, a member of Paul Whelan, said successful a statement: "I'm atrocious to perceive that he's been injured. But a hostage's merchandise isn't an extremity point.

"They person to unrecorded with the aftermath aft the hostage takers and others determination on. I can't ideate the anger, vengeance, and grief they indispensable feel.

"I anticipation helium finds immoderate bid now."