Russia to Discuss Further Prisoner Swaps with U.S., Says Spy Chief

Russia’s foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin has announced that Moscow is open to discussing additional prisoner exchanges with the United States following a recent high-profile swap. Speaking to reporters, Naryshkin stated, “Dialogue with the new U.S. administration will certainly continue in various directions, including the issue you mentioned,” in response to inquiries about future prisoner exchange negotiations.
On Thursday, Russia released dual U.S. citizen Ksenia Karelina, who had been convicted of “treason” and sentenced to 12 years in prison for donating to a pro-Ukrainian charity. In return, the U.S. handed over Arthur Petrov, an alleged technology smuggler accused of leading a global operation to export sensitive electronics to the Russian military.
The exchange has sparked renewed dialogue between Moscow and Washington, with both sides signaling their willingness to engage in further negotiations. This development reflects ongoing efforts to navigate tensions and build diplomatic bridges amid broader geopolitical disputes.