The Kremlin has assured that recent criticism by former U.S. President Donald Trump will not affect ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations between Russia and the United States. Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin “crazy” following Russia’s largest drone attack on Ukraine since its full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Despite this, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that talks on a possible prisoner swap remain on course. Peskov acknowledged that disagreements exist between the two nations but emphasized a shared political will to honor current agreements. Last week, Trump and Putin reportedly spoke by phone for two hours to discuss a potential swap involving nine prisoners on each side, although details on the individuals were not disclosed. Several exchanges have occurred since Trump returned to the White House in January. The U.S. accuses Russia of detaining American citizens on political grounds to use as bargaining chips. The latest swap saw Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen sentenced for treason over a small donation to a Ukrainian charity, released in exchange for Arthur Petrov, accused of violating sanctions by trying to export U.S.-made electronics to Russian military firms.
Kremlin Confirms Prisoner Swap Talks Continue Despite Trump’s Criticism of Putin
Kremlin insists prisoner swap talks with the U.S. continue despite Trump's harsh remarks about Putin after Russia's drone attack on Ukraine.
