Moscow, Russia — The mother of a Russian arms trafficker, who is serving a 25-year jail term in the US and inspired a Nicholas Cage film, has asked the US and Russian leaders to negotiate his release. Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss a range of geopolitical and other issues, including potential prisoner swaps, when they meet in Geneva on June 16. ADVERTISEMENTThe highest-profile Russian prisoner likely to be discussed is Victor Bout, 54, dubbed the “Merchant of Death” by former British minister Peter Hain for supplying arms to conflict-torn Liberia and Angola. “Mister Presidents, please come to an agreement,” Bout’s mother Raisa said in a letter addressed to the two leaders. “Viktor has already lost 13 years of his life,” Raisa Bout said in the letter published by state news agency RIA Novosti.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 07, 2021 12:38 UTC