Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher imprisoned in Russia, has been released following a prisoner swap, as confirmed by officials from both countries on Thursday. His freedom comes after a three-year sentence for violating Russia's foreign agent laws, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing relief on social media over Vinatier's return to France.
Vinatier, 49, was taken into custody in June 2024 by the FSB at a Moscow restaurant and later convicted in October of the same year. His case drew attention when President Vladimir Putin agreed to review it after discussions with a French journalist. The FSB accused him of espionage tied to Swiss intelligence, asserting he gathered sensitive information. However, they noted his case was dismissed due to his "active repentance."
In exchange for Vinatier's release, Daniil Kasatkin, a Russian basketball player arrested in Paris, was returned to Russia. The exchange occurs amid strained relations between France and Russia exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, although Macron continues to advocate for dialogue with Moscow to resolve tensions.