Tom Balmforth

MOSCOW (Reuters).- Trevor Reed’s parents urged Joe Biden to discuss their son’s situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in virtual negotiations Monday. This was to press for Reed’s release.

Biden and Putin will speak via videoconference on Tuesday. Ukraine is expected to dominate, as concerns about an attack have been raised by the Russian troop buildup. Moscow denied any such plans.

Reed’s (NASDAQ;) parents Joey & Paula expressed concerns that an escalation regarding Ukraine might hamper their 30-year old son’s chance of being released.

We need President Biden to make every effort to get our son home as soon as possible. In a statement, they stated that Trevor should not be “left behind”.

Reed from Texas was sentenced last year to nine years imprisonment after he was found guilty of injuring two Russian police officers while drunk during a 2019 visit. The charges were denied by Reed, and the United States described his trial as a “theatreof the absurd”.

Paul Whelan (an American in Russia jailed on spying charges that he denies) has been seen as a possible candidate for the United States prisoner swap.

Russian media has suggested Konstantin Yaroshenko (20 years) for conspiracy to traffic cocaine and Viktor Bout (22.5 years), for possible swaps.

The parents stated that Reed needs Paul Whelan and his president to take him home. They also need elected officials who will support the president and do whatever it takes to make this happen.

Whelan is on the long list of issues that Reed has to deal with between Putin, Biden.