Convicted Russian arms dealer Vitkor Bout has spoken out for the first time since returning home in a prisoner swap for WNBA player Brittney Griner.
According to Fox News, Bout was asked what his plans are since returning home after more than a decade of imprisonment.
“It's too soon to ask those questions, let's not talk about it,” he said in response to reporters' questions from reporters regarding what he will do next.
The former arms dealer, dubbed the “Merchant of Death” due to his “business” that supplied arms around the globe including to top conflict zones like Afghanistan and Rwanda, said he is looking forward to spending time with his wife, Alla.
On Thursday, Bout and Griner returned to their home countries after a highly controversial prisoner swap. The Biden Administration has faced swift backlash over the deal, noting the exchange was not “equal” and also left behind former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan who has been imprisoned since 2018.
Bout contested the argument that the deal was unbalanced or a weak trade for the U.S. to Russian state-owned news outlet RT.
“I am certain that our leadership does not think in those terms, whether you are weak or not. Real strength doesn't require expression on such a, frankly, cheap level,” he told the Russian outlet. “I believe the deal happened because some common ground was found that allowed both sides to be satisfied.”
Lawmakers and experts have expressed concern Bout could return to arms trading.
“I BELIEVE THE DEAL HAPPENED BECAUSE SOME COMMON GROUND WAS FOUND THAT ALLOWED BOTH SIDES TO BE SATISFIED.”
Yes, Russia is satisfied with winning on the global policy stage. Biden is satisfied by placating his queer and black base while again leaving an innocent marine behind in a Russian prison. Sleep well Brandon.
Brandon? An empty gourd atop an empty suit. Otherwise, a ‘moral leper.’
Brandon = Morally Bankrupt Stooge
Just like Brandon did in Afghanistan deserting thousands of Americans and our Allie’s and surrendering 80 Billion dollars of American weapons for the Taliban! Causing 13 of our military personnel to be killed! Brandon needs to be prosecuted for treason against America!
Terrible deal,the merchant of death,for someone, who hates their flag, and country,that has given her everythng she has,to be able to do, play ball,and make good money.But u leave a marine,that’s been waiting for 4 years, and says all he needs is a plane to get him,Do your job and get this marine freed,now.
Planning his revenge??
Well, OF COURSE he’s going to return to selling guns to other bad guys. Meanwhile, Biden et al will keep trying to take away Americans’ firearms and other countries will see that it is good to have some Americans in their prisons to bargain with.
Trading a common pickpocket for Griner would’ve been wrong; this trade was colossally STUPID as well as wrong. Griner has NO particular political value, he’s just a junkie & low level criminal who smuglled drugs into Russia, against their laws, & a game player, not someone useful to the US, or anywhere else. He was certainly not worth the risk to society of trading “Dr Death” for him.