[14] On October 23, 2023, a district court in Kazan rejected Kurmasheva's request for pretrial measures avoiding incarceration, instead assigning her to a detention center until December 5, 2023.

[15] Kurnasheva's detainment garnered significant criticism, particularly from Western governments and international human rights and media freedom organizations.

"[16] The Committee to Protect Journalists demanded Russia release Kurmasheva, expressing "deep concern" with her detention and stating "journalism is not a crime.

According to the Associated Press, analysts believe Russia may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips after the increase of Russian-U.S. tensions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

[21] On August 1, 2024, Kurmasheva, alongside Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and various other individuals, was released in a 26 person prisoner exchange.

[22][23] After her release, Kurmasheva attended Post Isolation Support Activities, a 10-day program offered by the Department of Defense to help former hostages acclimate back to regular life.