Russia reduces sentence for detained American Robert Woodland
An American man, Robert Woodland, who was convicted of drug trafficking and held overseas, had his sentence reduced by a Russian court from 12.5 years to 9.5 years. Woodland’s attorney, Stanislav Kshevitsky, confirmed the news to Reuters. The reason for the reduction in his sentence remains unclear. The State Department has stated that embassy officials in Russia are closely monitoring the case, emphasizing the safety and security of Americans overseas as a top priority.
Woodland, born in Russia in 1991, was adopted by American parents at the age of 2. He returned to Russia at the age of 26 to meet his birth mother and was subsequently arrested in January 2024. Despite partially admitting guilt, Woodland remains in custody in Russia.
Recent prisoner releases during the Trump administration have included Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina, who was wrongfully detained for over a year in Russia. Karelina was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony after pleading guilty to treason for donating a small amount to a Ukrainian charity in early 2024. In a separate incident, American history teacher Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia since 2021, was brought back to the U.S. by Trump in February.
The case of Robert Woodland highlights the complex and often challenging situations faced by Americans abroad. It serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomatic efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens detained in foreign countries. As the story continues to develop, it will be crucial to monitor any further updates regarding Woodland’s situation.
This article was written by Greg Norman, a reporter at Fox News Digital.
