US-Israeli woman Naama Issachar was jailed in Russia in October, on drug charges.
Reuters reports Issachar has now asked for a pardon.
Israel has called on Russia to release Issachar.
She was sentenced by a Russian court to seven-and-a-half years in jail for drug offences.
The Kremlin said earlier that it was impossible for Issachar to be granted a presidential pardon.
To do so, the Kremlin said Issachar must first formally request one.