During an interview on Russian state-sponsored television, arms dealer Viktor Bout praised his country's invasion of Ukraine and said he wished he could join the fighting.
The Russian losses include nearly 6,000 armored personnel vehicles, nearly 3,000 tanks, and nearly 2,000 artillery systems.
Former Soviet military officer and arms trafficking suspect Viktor Bout at Westchester County Airport November 16, 2010, in White Plains, New York.During the same interview, Bout said Western countries, including the U.S., were seeking to"destroy" and"divide" Russia. "The West believes that they did not finish us off in 1990, when the Soviet Union began to disintegrate... They think that they can just destroy us again and divide Russia," he said, according to the Moscow Times.
As for Griner, Bout said he"wished her luck" following their prisoner swap in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Dec. 9. Both were returned to their respective countries within 24 hours. "Again, it's our tradition. You should wish everyone good fortune and happiness," he added, per Reuters.The Russian, who is dubbed the"Merchant of Death," was previously convicted of arms trafficking, conspiring to kill Americans, and money laundering. in Russia, where cannabis is banned.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brittney Griner live updates: Brittney Griner arrives back in the United StatesThe U.S. has swapped WNBA star Brittney Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor bout, according to a senior U.S. official.
Read more »
Russian officials release video of Brittney Griner inside Russian prison prior to releaseRussia’s Federal Security Service release footage Thursday showing WNBA star Brittney Griner during her time in a Russian prison.
Read more »
Brittney Griner Live: NBC corrects report that US choice Griner over WhelanPhoenix Suns players celebrated the news of WNBA player Brittney Griner's release from Russia on Thursday. 'That's the biggest Christmas gift that we can possibly get,' Deandre Ayton said. The latest on Griner's release:
Read more »
Brittney Griner live updates: Griner arrives back in the United StatesThe U.S. has swapped WNBA star Brittney Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor bout, according to a senior U.S. official.
Read more »
Brittney Griner Arrives Back in U.S. After Russian Prisoner SwapBrittney Griner is home. The WNBA star touched down on U.S. soil early Friday morning, ending a nearly year-long fight for her freedom after she was arrested and convicted of drug smuggling in Russia.
Read more »
Brittney Griner back home in United States after Russian prisoner swapRussian arms dealer Viktor Bout was greeted by his family in Moscow after he was swapped in prisoner exchange for Brittney Griner.
Read more »