The United States of America is discussing with Russia the release of its prisoners

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Elizabeth Rudd said her country continues to discuss the release of US prisoners Brittney Grainer and Paul Whelan in Russia.

And the diplomat continued: “The United States of America continues to discuss the issue of the release of Britney Grainer and Paul Whelan with the Russian authorities through private channels. The United States has made a serious proposal and we have not received a serious response from the Russian authorities so far,” explaining that this means “a response that will help reach an agreement.”

And Washington offered at the end of July last year, according to media reports, to exchange prisoners Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage, and basketball player Brittney Grainer, who is serving a nine-year sentence for drug trafficking, with Russian businessman Viktor Bout, who is serving a prison term in the United States of America. accused by the authorities of arms smuggling.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Ryabkov said in November this year that Moscow was counting on a positive outcome of the exchange of Viktor Bout, noting that he was among those whose exchange was discussed, but the Americans, according to Ryabkov, “show some media activity, in while we work.” professionally through a private channel.

Source: News

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