For the first time since WNBA star Brittney Griner's arrest for drug possession in February, Russia has officially confirmed there are ongoing negotiations with the United States government regarding a potential prisoner swap.
On Saturday, The Moscow Times reported Russia has officially acknowledged it seeks convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout to be a part of the deal.
"Silent diplomacy continues and should bear fruit if Washington, of course, is careful not to fall into propaganda.".
Bout, also known as "The Merchant of Death," was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and then extradited to the United States.
He was convicted of conspiring to kill Americans in 2011 and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.
Last week, Griner was found guilty on drug charges in Russia and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Although Russia confirmed this week that negotiations are underway, it didn't disclose any details on who would be involved in the swap. »