Russia hoped on Friday November 18 that a prisoner exchange could take place with the United States, which could include notably a Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, who was arrested by American authorities.
“I hope that the prospect (of an exchange) is not only current but growing stronger and that the time will come when we reach a concrete agreement,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, quoted by Russian news outlets as saying on the day after the announcement of the transfer of US basketball player Brittney Griner to a Russian penal colony.
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He pointed out that the negotiations would be conducted “in a professional manner” through “a dedicated channel”. The statements come a day after the announcement of the transfer to a Russian penal colony of American basketball player Brittney Griner, who was arrested in Moscow and convicted of “drug trafficking”.
Supporters of the 32-year-old basketball player have denounced a political affair and accused the Russian authorities of holding her hostage amid tensions between Moscow and Washington over Ukraine. Negotiations have been going on for several months between Russia and the United States for an exchange involving Griner and other Americans arrested by Moscow, which in turn is hoping to find Mr. Bout.
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Nicknamed the “Merchant of Death,” Viktor Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and is currently serving a 25-year sentence in the United States. His journey was one of the inspirations for the film Lord of War, in which Nicolas Cage plays a cynical arms dealer.
Russia has repeatedly criticized the United States for making public statements about prisoner exchange negotiations and demanding that they be kept secret. “At the moment we haven’t found a common denominator, but it is undeniable that Viktor Bout is affected by the discussions and we hope for a positive outcome,” stated Mr. Ryabkov.
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