The future of two American citizens detained in Russia could hinge on the release of a convicted Russian arms dealer, nicknamed the “Merchant of Death” by his accusers, whose life story inspired a Hollywood film.
Viktor Bout, a former Soviet military officer, is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States on charges of conspiring to kill Americans, acquire and export anti-aircraft missiles, and provide material support to a terrorist organization. Bout has maintained he is innocent.
The Kremlin has long called for Bout’s release, slamming his sentencing in 2012 as “baseless and biased.”
CNN reported Wednesday that the Biden administration offered Bout up in a potential swap for American basketball star Brittney Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan, according to people briefed on the matter.
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Article URL : https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/27/americas/viktor-bout-profile-intl/index.html