Moscow has made a proposal to Paris regarding a French researcher jailed on espionage charges, with the Kremlin saying the ball is now in France’s court.
MOSCOW: Russia has made a proposal to France regarding jailed French researcher Laurent Vinatier, the Kremlin said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed contacts between the two sides and that a proposal was made, without providing details.
“The ball is now in France’s court,” he told reporters.
Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, is currently serving a three-year sentence for failing to register as a “foreign agent”.
He now faces fresh, more serious espionage charges that could see him sentenced to 20 years in prison.
His family has rejected the accusations, saying he is a victim of tensions between Moscow and Paris over the war in Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin said last week he would look into the case after being asked about it.
“I promise you I’ll definitely find out what it is,” Putin said.
“And if there’s even the slightest chance of resolving this matter favourably, if Russian law allows it, we’ll make every effort.”
Vinatier is one of several Westerners arrested after Russia launched its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022.
Several US citizens have been arrested and later released in prisoner exchanges.
In his original case, the veteran Russia expert said he had not known he was required to register under Moscow’s “foreign agents” law.
He apologised and said through his work he had always tried to represent Russia’s interests.
Moscow has previously used alleged breaches of the “foreign agents” law to arrest people before levying more serious charges.
