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 convicted him 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.
Paul lived a few miles down the road from me. Crazy story, but I agree that he is the real one they want. I doubt the Russians would make such a terrible trade.
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 convicted him 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.
Paul lived a few miles down the road from me. Crazy story, but I agree that he is the real one they want. I doubt the Russians would make such a terrible trade.