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.

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.