American Detainees in Ukraine Face Uncertain Path Home
A loss of communications between the two superpowers could foreclose any possibility of the U.S. government getting Americans imprisoned home,
Landwebs
The already challenging path to bring home Americans jailed in Russia and Ukraine is likely even more complicated now with a war overwhelming the region and increasingly hostile relations between the United States and the Kremlin, reports the Associated Press. Marine veteran Trevor Reed and corporate security executive Paul Whelan are each serving lengthy prison sentences in Russia and have been hoping for a deal, but the prospect of concessions by either side anytime soon is eclipsed by the likelihood of continued antagonism by Russia.
“If this becomes long and drawn out, and they take over Ukraine, then the Western countries and the United States are going to be at odds with Russia for a long time,” said Reed’s father, Joey Reed. “That could lead to additional charges against our son, if he lives, and keep him there indefinitely, which is not uncommon in Russia.” A loss of communications between the two superpowers could foreclose any possibility of the U.S. government getting the men home. Ukraine, meanwhile, is holding North Dakota farmer Kurt Groszhans, accused in a plot to assassinate a current member of the country’s political cabinet. His family and supporters say the charges are trumped up, and were designed to silence Groszhan’s own allegations of government corruption in Ukraine.
