* US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, an ex-US Marine
* In order to release the Americans, US officials said they offered to hand over Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the 'Merchant of Death'
* Russian officials also reportedly requested for a convicted murderer and Kremlin spy Vadim Krasikov to be included in the prisoner swap
* The request was made by Russia's backchannel spy agency, the FSB, but sources said the US is not considering Krasikov's inclusion in the deal
* Griner was arrested for carrying cannabis oil in February, and Whelan was convicted of espionage in 2020, which the U.S. said were false
Russia requested that a convicted murder to be included in a proposed swap with the US that would see 'Merchant of Death' convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout traded for WNBA star Brittney Griner and another American detainee.
Although Moscow's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he was not aware of a trade deal until Friday, it was revealed that Russian officials had requested the US help free Kremlin spy Vadim Krasikov in exchange for Griner and Paul Whelan, a former Marine from Michigan, CNN reported.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Yesterday Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said he was not going to talk to US Secretary Blinken when Blinken requested a phone conversation. Today he is talking to to US Secretary Blinken. Someone ordered Lavrov to talk Blinken, and there is only one person in the Kremlin who has the authority to do that.
For reasons only known to the Kremlin and the White House, both sides now want the issue of detained Russians and Americans resolved as quickly as possible. Makes one wonder on what do they know that we do not.
U.S. And Russia Discuss Prisoner Swap
Blinken and Russia's Lavrov have 'frank' discussion about detained citizens -- Reuters
Blinken, Russian top diplomat speak about Griner, Whelan -- AP
CNN Exclusive: Russian officials requested adding convicted murderer to Griner/Whelan prisoner swap -- CNN
Blinken held ‘frank’ talk with Russia’s Lavrov for release of Griner and Whelan -- The Hill
Blinken Holds ‘Frank’ Discussion With Russian FM on Prisoners, Ukraine -- Moscow Times/AFP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Sergei Lavrov discuss prisoner exchange in phone call -- ABC News Australia
Blinken urged Russia to accept proposal for release of Griner and Whelan -- Axios
US and Russia hold first top level call since February -- RT
Blinken, Lavrov discuss Ukraine issue, prisoner exchange -- TASS
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