National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US does not consider exempt “Merchant of Death”, Victor fighta terrorist although he was convicted in America of conspiring to murder its citizens.

What happened: Bout, a former KGB officer and a personal friend of the Russian President Wladimir Putinwas liberated by the US in exchange for an American basketball star Brittney Griner from custody in Moscow on Thursday.

Battle has been serving a prison sentence in America since 2011 after being convicted of conspiring to kill Americans, conspiring to supply anti-aircraft missiles and supporting a terrorist organization.

See also: Iran publicly hangs protester, second known execution linked to anti-government protests

during one White House At the press conference, Sullivan was asked, “Does consider the (Biden) government of Viktor Bour a terrorist,” to which he replied, “We consider him a convicted criminal convicted of arms trafficking and other crimes” — noting that Bout did not is listed as a Specially Designated National.

“Before we decide whether to send someone back in a deal to have an American home, we make a decision about the national security implications.”

“We made that assessment in this case,” Sullivan said, adding, “We believe we can overcome these challenges, but we will remain constantly vigilant for any threat Viktor Bout may pose to Americans and the United States in the future.” could represent.”

That The White House would return to negotiations with the Kremlin “this week” to release ex-Marines Paul Whelanwho was arrested in Russia in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage charges.

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