Russia Open to Another Prisoner Exchange with US, Says Deputy Foreign Minister
Russia is willing to consider another prisoner exchange with the United States. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in an interview with NBC News on December 10.
The call for a new prisoner exchange comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January. It follows a previous exchange between the US and Russia in August, which saw 26 people from seven countries released.
Russia has been accused of imprisoning individuals on politically motivated charges. In the previous exchange, the US received three prisoners, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage.
Ryabkov said that Russia will “definitely be prepared to consider” a prisoner exchange. He added that it could be a positive step forward, especially given the start of the new US administration.
No timeline was given for when the next prisoner exchange might take place. Ryabkov noted that such exchanges require a multi-step approach on both sides.
The potential for another prisoner exchange comes as the US and Russia continue to have tense relations. The two countries have imposed sanctions on each other, and there has been no concrete decision made on further sanctions.
Other Developments in Ukraine Conflict
In other news related to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia:
* The State Department approved a $266 million foreign military sales package for Ukraine.
* Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto pledged to veto a proposal to impose EU sanctions on Georgian officials.
* A Russian drone struck an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) service vehicle in Ukraine, causing damage.
* The number of barges Russia has deployed in the Kerch Strait has halved over the past month.