Russia released a U.S. citizen on Monday, February 17, who had been detained on minor drug charges, just before high-level talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. The move comes as Moscow and Washington seek to improve strained relations.
Russia has freed a U.S. citizen who was detained on minor drug charges just before planned talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, the New York Times reported.
Kalob Byers Wayne, 28, was arrested on February 7 at Moscow's Vnukovo airport during a baggage check when customs officers found cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage. He was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana.
The timing of his release comes ahead of discussions between Russian and U.S. officials scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, in Saudi Arabia. The talks aim to restore diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington.
A Kremlin spokesperson noted that “certain events can be viewed in this context,” hinting at a possible link between the release and the upcoming negotiations.
Read next
20:47
Afghanistan-Russia
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
18:49
Russia and Türkiye will hold consultations on the Middle East, including Syria and Palestine, on 25th April in Istanbul, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source speaking to TASS.
18:00
Sanctions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
16:59
President Donald Trump called on Vladimir Putin to halt missile strikes on Kyiv, urging a return to peace talks amid rising casualties.
16:54
A ballistic missile linked to North Korea killed at least eight in Kyiv, marking a concerning escalation in Russia's use of foreign weaponry, Ukrainian sources reveal.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment