Russia proposes prisoner swap with United States

The comments may fuel speculation that Moscow is seeking a prisoner exchange involving Paul Whelan, a former US Marine arrested and held in Russia on spying charges that he denies and that he has likened to a political kidnap.

Vladimir Putin elton john homophobic — The US Embassy in Moscow said on Monday it had asked the Russian government to allow an independent assessment of his condition, but that the request had been denied and that Whelan’s condition had worsened. (Photo: Reuters)

Russia called on the United States on Monday to free Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko and proposed a prisoner swap with Washington to win the release of any American national held in Russia, Interfax news agency reported. The comments may fuel speculation that Moscow is seeking a prisoner exchange involving Paul Whelan, a former US Marine arrested and held in Russia on spying charges that he denies and that he has likened to a political kidnap.