Overview
- French researcher Laurent Vinatier, convicted in 2024 under Russia’s foreign‑agent law and later investigated for espionage, was pardoned by Vladimir Putin and has arrived back in France.
- Russia’s FSB said it exchanged Vinatier for Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin, who had been detained in France on a U.S. extradition request over alleged ransomware activity.
- President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Vinatier’s return and thanked French diplomats, as footage released by Russian authorities showed both men in transit following their releases.
- The FSB alleged Vinatier collected sensitive military information under Swiss intelligence direction but said the case was dismissed due to his “active repentance,” claims rejected by Paris and his supporters.
- Kasatkin denies the U.S. hacking accusations, his lawyer says he lacks computer expertise, and a source said Paris notified Washington of his return to Russia.