Russia says made 'proposal' to France over jailed researcher

"Moscow has made an offer to Paris regarding jailed French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who is facing espionage charges that could see him sentenced to 20 years in a Russian prison, the Kremlin said on Thursday. The surprise public overture comes as both Russia and France have expressed interest in possible talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron. Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO and was jailed in June 2024, is serving a three-year sentence for failing to register as a "foreign agent" but faces fresh allegations of spying."

""There were appropriate contacts between our side and the French. Indeed, a proposal was made to the French regarding Vinatier," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, including AFP. Peskov did not provide details. "The ball is now in France's court," he added. Vinatier's family have rejected the accusations against him, saying he is a victim of tensions between Moscow and Paris over the war in Ukraine. Western countries have long accused Russia of arresting their citizens on baseless charges, seeking to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of alleged Russian spies and cyber criminals jailed in Europe and the United States."

"Putin said last week he would look into Vinatier's case after a French journalist asked him about it during an end-of-year televised press conference. "I don't know anything about this case. This is the first I've heard of it," Putin said. "But I promise you I'll definitely find out what it is. And if there's even the slightest chance of resolving this matter favourably, if Russian law allows it, we'll make every effort," Putin said."

Moscow has presented a proposal to Paris regarding French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who faces espionage charges that could carry a 20-year sentence. Vinatier, employed by a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, was jailed in June 2024 and is serving three years for failing to register as a "foreign agent" while facing new spying allegations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed contacts and said the ball is now in France's court but gave no details. Vinatier's family reject the accusations and frame his case as a product of bilateral tensions over the Ukraine war. President Putin said he would investigate the case and pursue any lawful means to resolve it favourably, and both capitals have shown interest in talks between Putin and Macron.

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