Notorious Russian weapons dealer Victor Bout has arrived in Russia on Thursday, local media Reported, after it was exchanged in a prisoner switch for American basketball star Brittney Griner months later of Tough negotiations.
A plane carrying Bot arrived in Moscow after I left Abu Dhabi, where US President Joe Biden personally agreed to the exchange took placeInterfax news The agency said, citing an airport traffic controller.
Greiner arrived in The capital of the United Arab Emirates private Plane from Moscow while flying bot in on a private plane from Washington.
Monday can be seen, in Video published by the Russian company TASS news agency, being escorted past each other on runway on The way for the planes that would fly them home.
Greiner, dressed in She was wearing a red jacket and dark pants back to me camera. Bot hugged a Russian guy official who He greeted him and smiled broadly as he was led away.
He told him: “Don’t worry, everything is fine, I love you very much.” mother Raisa in comments broadcast by state television. talk to him family when his plane made Stop to refuel in Russia.
Nurse on board took His temperature and his blood pressure checked.
He was expected to receive a hero’s welcome home.
Widely known abroad as “The Merchant”. of Death “55year-old butt accused of Arming the rebels in some of The world’s bloodiest conflict.
He was arrested in Operation American Sting in Thailand in 2008, extradited to the United States and sentenced in 2012 to 25 years old in prison.
a former Soviet air force An officer, gaining Bute’s fame for supposedly supplying him with arms for the civil wars in South America, Middle East and Africa.
early on Thursday, bot mother Thanks President Vladimir Putin for Its sonrelease.
Raisa said the release came “thanks to our president”. in televised statements.
“I am very grateful. A low bow to the mother of the Russian Foreign Ministry with “Lavrov Sergey Viktorovich is at the helm,” she said.
She said it was also Grateful for kindness people” in The United States thanks them for Having “faith”.
“You can’t say it all of they are evil added.
His wife, Alaa, said that Bout’s release was “atrue new years gift. “
she also Bot said he plans to open an exhibition of his paintings in St. Petersburg in April.
The exchange comes as tensions between Moscow and Washington escalate over Russia military assaults in Ukraine.
Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, praised the weapons dealer Like a cool guy who become a victim of American allusions.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the country’s diplomats were receiving messages of support From “people in Russia and abroad.
“Fabulous!” said Zakharova on Telegram messaging app. They thank the country.”
