Cornyn on ex-Marine's release from Russian prison: 'Trevor has survived a real-life nightmare'

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) praised the bipartisan effort to secure a former Marine's release from a Russian prison, according to a press release issued by his office. 

Trevor Reed, who hails from North Texas and resides in the Permian Basin, returned home late last month from serving what was supposed to be a decade-long prison sentence for physically assaulting a law enforcement officer.

“Trevor has survived a real-life nightmare, held in a Russian prison for nearly 1,000 days with little to no access to badly-needed health care or communication with his family," Cornyn said in the release. "I’m beyond relieved Trevor will return home to his family in Texas, who were relentless in the fight to secure his release and never gave up hope."

Odessa CBS affiliate KOSA reported that the Americans freed Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot who was in the midst of a 20-year prison sentence at a federal correctional facility on the East Coast for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine, in exchange for Reed.

The release came just as the war between Russia and Ukraine entered its second month.

San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT reported that Reed arrived at the city's Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland after midnight last Thursday (April 28).

Reed's parents were also at the military installation to receive their son, according to the station.

"This is the moment we have all been praying for," U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-San Angelo) said in a tweet.

Cornyn expressed gratitude for Reed's newfound freedom in his release.

“I applaud the president and the state department officials who worked behind the scenes to secure Trevor’s release, as well as Congressmen Pfluger and (Michael) McCaul for their efforts to keep pressure on the Administration,” the senator said.