American Ex-Marine Convicted Again in Absentia by Russia

Trevor Reed, an American, has been convicted in absentia by Russia for fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Already released from Russian prison in a past exchange, Reed was sentenced to 14.5 years. His earlier conviction was linked to an alleged assault on a Moscow officer.

Trevor Reed, an American ex-Marine previously held in Russian custody for three years, has faced a new conviction in absentia by Russian authorities. Charged with fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, the defendant has been sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison.

The 2023 conviction adds to Reed's troubled history in Russia. Originally arrested in 2019 for allegedly assaulting a police officer while heavily intoxicated, Reed's earlier trial was met with skepticism over its evidence. He was subsequently part of a prisoner exchange in April 2022, allowing him to return to the U.S.

Reed later joined the Ukrainian military as a foreign fighter. His conviction came just days after another American, 72-year-old Stephen Hubbard, faced similar charges and sentencing in Russia for his involvement in Ukraine's conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)