Russia and France exchanged prisoners

Recently, Russia and France carried out a prisoner exchange. As part of this deal, French scientist Laurent Vinate was returned to his homeland, recognized as a foreign agent in Russia, while basketball player Daniil Kasatkin was handed over in return.

Kasatkin had been under arrest in France since June 2025. He was detained at the request of the United States, where authorities suspect the athlete of cyber fraud. According to the allegations, he assisted hackers in ransom negotiations, but the basketball player denies all accusations. His lawyer noted that French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu refused to sign the extradition of Kasatkin to the U.S., despite a French court's decision.

For its part, Russia released Laurent Vinate, who had been detained in 2024. He worked at the Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue and was sentenced to three years for violating foreign agent legislation. According to the investigation, Vinate collected information about military activities and mobilization in Russia, meeting with various sources. At the court hearing, he expressed remorse, acknowledged his guilt, and asked for forgiveness. Before the exchange, the French scientist was pardoned by a presidential decree.