Russia hopes on prisoner swap with US

12:53, 19.11.2022

Russia hopes to agree a prisoner swap with the US that would include notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known as the Merchant of Death.

It is the first time US or Russian officials have publicly said Bout could be part of an exchange, according to the BBC.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday he hoped the prospect of a swap had “strengthened”.

The US has previously said it was eager to organize a prisoner swap to release US basketball player Brittney Griner.

She was convicted of illegal drug possession in August after cannabis oil vapes were found in her bags as she tried to enter Russia.

The double-Olympic winner has been sent to a penal colony in a remote region south-east of Moscow.