I don't think the Russians will bite, and yes, this trade has been theory for a while.
I don't think the Kremlin cares much about Viktor Bout but the US sure as hell wants their operative Paul Whelan back, in a big big way. The US gives no shits about Brittney Griner.
Whelan is the big fish here, and the Russians have him convicted dead to rights for spying.
To recap: Whelan speaks and reads fluent Russian, came out of the military, was busted with an incriminating thumb drive, has 4 passports, and a twin brother. Classic.
My comment on the topic in another thread -
I don't think the Russians will bite, and yes, this trade has been theory for a while.
I don't think the Kremlin cares much about Viktor Bout but the US sure as hell wants their operative Paul Whelan back, in a big big way. The US gives no shits about Brittney Griner.
Whelan is the big fish here, and the Russians have him convicted dead to rights for spying.
To recap: Whelan speaks and reads fluent Russian, came out of the military, was busted with an incriminating thumb drive, has 4 passports, and a twin brother. Classic.