French researcher freed from Russia in prisoner exchange

Russia has released French researcher Laurent Vinatier as part of a prisoner swap after more than a year in detention.

Vinatier had been imprisoned for failing to register as a foreign agent while working with a Switzerland-based conflict mediation group.

His release comes in exchange for Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin, who has been held in France since June at the request of the United States.

Russian state media reported that Vinatier was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin ahead of his release.

The exchange follows a series of recent prisoner swaps between Russia and Western countries.

The Kremlin said it had been in contact with France over Vinatier’s case and had made an unspecified offer to Paris.

Vinatier was welcomed in Paris by France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot after reuniting with his parents.

Our compatriot is back in France.

Emmanuel Macron said, adding that he shared the relief of Vinatier’s family.

France had previously described Vinatier’s three-year prison sentence as extremely harsh and called for his immediate release.

Kasatkin has denied allegations by US authorities that he was involved in negotiating ransomware-related payments.