Russia has reportedly released an American citizen who was detained on drug charges, just hours before its talks with the US regarding Ukraine.
The New York Times reported that Kalob Byers Wayne was released by Russia on Monday, shortly before the talks were scheduled to begin.
The 28-year-old was arrested at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport after arriving from Istanbul on February 7, facing drug smuggling charges for allegedly being caught with cannabis-laced marmalade.
Russian authorities claimed he was attempting to smuggle a “significant amount” of drugs into the country.
Last week, a Moscow court ordered Mr. Wayne to be held in pre-trial detention for 30 days.
It is unclear if his release is meant to de-escalate tensions in the US-Russia talks before negotiations.
A Kremlin spokesperson quoted by the US outlet mentioned that the talks in Saudi Arabia aim to enhance relations between Moscow and Washington, with certain events possibly linked to this context.
Starting on Tuesday, the two countries are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine.
However, the US excluded Kyiv and Europe from the discussions, causing concern in the continent.
European leaders are now scrambling to adjust to a new reality where they can’t rely as much on the US for security and defense under the Trump administration.
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Following the recent release of another American citizen, Marc Fogel by Russia, US President Donald Trump welcomed him back home.
The 63-year-old history teacher was also arrested on drug smuggling charges for what he claimed was medically prescribed cannabis.
President Donald Trump and Marc Fogel in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House.
Pic: AP/Alex Brandon
“I feel like the luckiest man on earth right now,” Mr. Fogel expressed after President Trump greeted him at the White House.
With an American flag draped around him and holding a beer, he added: “I am not the hero in this at all. President Trump is the hero.”
The largest prisoner exchange between the West and Russia since the Cold War occurred last year.
It resulted in three Americans being released among 24 individuals.