Russia released another American Kalova Byers Wayne on Monday, the New York Times reported. Moscow described the step as a “good intentional gesture” before the conversation with Saudi Arabian Washington was announced on Tuesday. Previously, the Kremlin released another American prisoner of Mark Vogel, who spent more than three years in a Russian prison.
Kalob Byers Wayne, 28, was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 7th. He came there with his Russian fiancé. After questioning both, the Americans were taken into custody on charges of having a small amount of marijuana.
Wayne’s lawyers claimed he only had small amounts of the substance prescribed by his doctor. Nevertheless, he was charged with a drug crime, for which he was punished in prison for up to 10 years.
Russia has freed another American. “Unconditionally released”
As the New York Times writes, Wayne’s representatives reported that the man had been released unconditionally. Before talking about the war in Ukraine, the Russians tried to remove all the potentially sensitive issues regarding Donald Trump’s administration.
“No one will impose this Ukraine,” Trump envoy softens his position
The newspaper reminds us that Wayne’s arrest took place during final negotiations regarding the release of American teacher Mark Vogel. He was arrested in August 2021 on marijuana charges. In exchange for his release, Washington released Russian Alexander Vinnik. Russia’s Alexander Vinnik served in connection with a cryptocurrency exchange that was used to wash money, according to prosecutors.
The US and Russia are preparing for a conversation. Kremlin spokesman appeared on the floor
The NYT responded to journalist questions regarding Wayne’s release, noted that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pieskov spokesman told Tuesday’s meeting in Saudi Arabia with the intention of restoring relations between Moscow and Washington.
“In this context, there are several events that can be considered,” he said.
According to the newspaper, it is not clear how broad the scope of Saudi talks will be. But they are to focus on the war in Ukraine.
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