In recent years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has demonstrated an elaborate strategy known as "hostage diplomacy," in which foreign nationals are detained on dubious charges in order to reap significant profits from their release. This approach has allowed Putin to secure the return of key Russian operatives, including spies, hackers and even convicted murderers, highlighting the asymmetry in such exchanges.
According to The Washington Post, Putin's latest triumph was the release of Vadim Krasikov, a convicted murderer linked to Russian special services. Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in Germany for killing a Georgian citizen in Berlin in the afternoon, was exchanged for a group of Western prisoners held in Russia. This exchange underscores Putin's willingness to violate international norms to achieve his goals.
During an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin called Krasikov a "patriot," signaling his determination to secure the killer's release. Krasikov's high level of involvement in the Russian special services and his personal acquaintance with Putin, including joint shootings, underline his importance to the Kremlin.
The exchange is reminiscent of past exchanges, such as the 2022 deal in which US President Joe Biden agreed to trade Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for US basketball star Brittney Griner, who was jailed in Russia for possessing a small amount of cannabis oil. Despite the controversy, these exchanges have become a constant theme in Putin's foreign policy playbook.
Experts warn that Russia and China are leading the way in the use of hostage diplomacy, with other countries such as Iran and North Korea following suit. This growing trend poses significant risks for journalists, aid workers and business leaders working in conflict zones and unstable regions.
As Western countries grapple with the ethical dilemmas raised by these exchanges, the international community faces increasing pressure to develop strategies to effectively counter hostage diplomacy.
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