8 Dec 2022 10:15

Russian Deputy FM Ryabkov: Issues of Russia-U.S. prisoner swap being discussed via separate channel

MOSCOW. Dec 8 (Interfax) - All issues concerning a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington have been discussed via a separate channel designated by the Russian and U.S. presidents, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the Izvestia newspaper published on Thursday.

"Issues related to such exchanges have been discussed via a separate channel designated by the presidents, and something can go well and something not so well. It is an extremely delicate topic - we are talking about the fates of individuals," Ryabkov said.

"The main objective is to secure the soonest possible release of these people who have been convicted there. [...] They need to be returned, and this work is continuing. I cannot predict how, when and what will work out and whether it will work out at all. But this is one of the main issues on which our dialogue with the U.S. is continuing. There is no doubt about that," he said.

Ryabkov also said that Russia does not find it necessary to break diplomatic relations with the United States.

"We do not want it to happen. Generally speaking, the breaking of diplomatic relations is a signal that there is no political resource left at all, that what is left is only the resource of force. We do not need that. After all, channels of communication are also relevant, and they are needed, among other things, to discuss the fates of Russian citizens who are in American prisons, and it is also necessary to have the possibility to convey signals on a large number of other aspects," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that the U.S. authorities are "actively" working to secure the release of basketball player Brittney Griner, convicted in Russia of drug smuggling, and Paul Whelan, convicted of espionage.