Russia has reportedly released a American citizen who had been detained on drug charges, just hours ahead of its talks with the US over Ukraine.
The New York Times said that Kalob Byers Wayne had been released by Russia on Monday, hours before the discussions were set to begin.
The 28-year-old had been arrested at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport after flying in from Istanbul on 7 February, on drug smuggling charges after allegedly being caught with cannabis-laced marmalade.
Russian police claimed he had tried to smuggle a “significant amount” of drugs into the country.
Last week, a court in the Russian capital ordered Mr Wayne be held in pre-trial detention for 30 days.
It isn’t clear if his release is aimed at easing tensions in the talks between the US and Russia ahead of negotiations.
The US outlet quoted a Kremlin spokesperson who said the Saudi-based talks would aim to improve relations between Moscow and Washington, “so certain events can be viewed in this context”.
Beginning on Tuesday, the two countries are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
But in doing so, the US has sidelined Kyiv from the discussions, as well as Europe, sparking alarm on the continent.
European leaders have been left scrambling to readjust to their new reality where they cannot rely on the US as much in terms of security and defence under the Trump administration.
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It comes after another US citizen, Marc Fogel, was recently released by Russia and welcomed home by US President Donald Trump.
The 63-year-old history teacher was also arrested on drug smuggling charges – for what he said 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 said after President Trump welcomed him to the White House.
An American flag draped around his shoulders and a beer in his hands, he added: “I am not the hero in this at all. President Trump is the hero.”
Last year, the largest prisoner exchange between the West and Russia since the Cold War took place.
It saw three Americans freed among 24 people being released.