This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/russia/493817-paul-whelan-spy-swap-negotiations/

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Despite speculation, Russia and US are NOT negotiating spy swap for Paul Whelan – senior Russian diplomat Despite speculation, Russia and US are NOT negotiating spy swap for Paul Whelan – senior Russian diplomat
(about 2 hours later)
Moscow and Washington are not discussing a potential prisoner swap involving Paul Whelan, a western businessman convicted of espionage, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. Moscow and Washington are not discussing a potential prisoner swap involving Paul Whelan - a former US marine, with multiple citizenships - convicted of espionage, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Immediately after Whelan’s guilty verdict on June 15, attention turned to the possibility of a prisoner exchange.Immediately after Whelan’s guilty verdict on June 15, attention turned to the possibility of a prisoner exchange.
“People have mentioned some form of secret consultation, negotiations on this issue. I declare, with all responsibility, that this kind of discussion is not being held with the US,” Ryabkov said.“People have mentioned some form of secret consultation, negotiations on this issue. I declare, with all responsibility, that this kind of discussion is not being held with the US,” Ryabkov said.
Last month, a Moscow court convicted Whelan of spying against Russia and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. The man, a citizen of the UK, US, Canada, and Ireland, was arrested in December 2018 after he received a USB device from an undercover FSB officer. According to Whelan, he was set up and is completely innocent. Last month, a Moscow court convicted Whelan of spying against Russia and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. The holder of American, British, Canadian and Irish passports was arrested in December 2018 after he received a USB device from an undercover FSB officer. According to Whelan, he was set up and is completely innocent.
Following Whelan’s conviction, a statement signed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington is “outraged by the decision,” and called for his “immediate release.” Following the former Marine’s conviction, a statement signed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington is “outraged by the decision,” and called for his “immediate release.”
Whelan’s lawyer has named two potential options for a prisoner swap – Russian citizens Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko, who are both serving time in the US. Bout received a 25-year sentence for his involvement in arms dealing, and is considered a political prisoner by the Kremlin. Whelan’s lawyer has named two potential options for a prisoner swap – Russian citizens Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko, who are both serving time in the US. Bout received a 25-year sentence for his involvement in arms dealing, and is considered a political prisoner by the Kremlin. 
Yaroshenko is an alleged drug smuggler, serving a 20-year term. Moscow considers his arrest to be a “kidnapping.”Yaroshenko is an alleged drug smuggler, serving a 20-year term. Moscow considers his arrest to be a “kidnapping.”
If you like this story, share it with a friend!If you like this story, share it with a friend!