viktor bout

[WATCH] ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner

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'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner

Viktor Bout, the man dubbed the “Merchant of Death” and was half of a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States for Brittney Griner, has spoken for the first time since his release from U.S. custody.

According to ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner, Bout stated during his 14 years in U.S. prison, he read and realized, “The whole world, basically, is a game.” In addition, Bout stated he would wake up in the mornings and get his day going by “laughing hysterically.”

Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and extradited to the U.S. in 2010. He was charged with conspiracy to kill Americans as he attempted to sell weapons to Columbia.s When asked about the charges, he replied, “There was nothing.” Bout was also accused of selling weapons to The Taliban.

The interview was aired on Russian networks and was conducted by Russian Spy Maria Butina. Aside from laughing, Bout stated his time in solitary was “very difficult” and spoke against American prison food.

Reflecting on President Putin and his attack on Ukraine, Bout stated, “I am proud that I am Russian, and that Putin is our president. I honestly don’t understand why we didn’t do this earlier.”

The interview in full is available below

The post [WATCH] ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Russian State Media Releases Footage of Brittney Griner-Viktor Bout Swap

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On Thursday, Brittney Griner was released from Russia in a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout. In a recently released video, Griner and Bout crossed paths as they were exchanged for each other at an airport in the United Arab Emirates.

The swap was filmed by the Russian State media outlet TASS. You can see Griner in red walking with officials and swapping for Bout. Everyone shook hands. Griner no longer has her dreadlocks, as they have been cut off.

Another video showed Griner stating on a plane she was “Good” and “happy” to be released.

The post [WATCH] Russian State Media Releases Footage of Brittney Griner-Viktor Bout Swap appeared first on The Source.

Brittney Griner Release Footage Surfaces Online

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Earlier today, Brittney Griner was officially released from a Russian prison. Griner had been stationed in a labor camp where she was going to serve nine years for drug possession. However, the United States government was able to negotiate a prisoner swap.

The man going back to Russia is notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is known as the merchant of death. He is a dangerous man, although he was the United States’ one shot at bringing home Griner. Additionally, the U.S. tried to free Paul Whelan, although Russia was unwilling.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury warms up before Game Five of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 8, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Brittney Griner Meets Viktor Bout

Of course, there has been quite a lot of backlash online about the United States’ negotiation tactics. Many feel like the U.S. looks weak by allowing Bout to go back to Russia. One such person is former Trump administration higher-up John Bolton.

Bolton made a statement on Twitter, however, the bigger story was the footage that @chronology22 left as a reply. This footage was taken by Russian state media, and it depicts Griner signing her release forms. As you can see, her hair has been cut short, and she was all smiles while signing the release. Furthermore, we even saw footage of her on the tarmac in the UAE where she came face-to-face with Bout while heading to her final plane home.

This marks the end of an incredibly dark time in Griner’s life. For months, her family, the government, and the WNBA have been trying to bring her home. Now, she will finally get to be with her wife Cherelle again.

This remains a developing story, so stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates. Additionally, let us know what you think of this footage, in the comments below.

[Via]