French Researcher and Russian Basketball Player Released in a Prisoner Swap

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Ségolène Le Stradic and Nataliya VasilyevaJanuary 8, 2026 at 06:56 PM

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In a prisoner swap, France and Russia exchanged Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher, for Daniil Kasatkin, a Russian basketball player. Vinatier was arrested in Russia in June 2024 on spying charges and sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly collecting military information. Kasatkin was detained in France, suspected of involvement in a ransomware ring that targeted numerous companies and U.S. government entities, with the U.S. seeking his extradition. The exchange, confirmed by both French and Russian officials, represents a rare instance of bilateral cooperation since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both men's lawyer expressed relief at their releases, maintaining their innocence.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jean-Noël Barrot 30% Moscow 30% Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue 40% Emmanuel Macron 40% United States ×240% Federal Security Service (F.S.B.) 50% Russia ×470% France ×770% Daniil Kasatkin ×680% Laurent Vinatier ×890%

Keywords

prisoner swap 100% russian basketball player 90% french researcher 90% daniil kasatkin 80% laurent vinatier 80% ransomware 60% espionage 60% russia 50% france 50% bilateral relations 40%