💨 Abstract

French researcher Laurent Vinatier, imprisoned in Russia for violating foreign agent laws, has been freed in a prisoner exchange. He was swapped for Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin, who was detained in France on U.S. hacking charges. Vinatier, who worked for a Swiss conflict mediation organization, was accused of espionage but was pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin. His release comes amid strained Russia-France relations over the Ukraine war.

Courtesy: Reuters