Russia is studying possibilities to transfer convicted Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, and ex-pilot, Konstantin Yaroshenko, to Russia, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday.
“There are various legal procedures, but regardless of them, political will is necessary [to return the Russians]. We should make sure that that the United States is ready for this decision,” Ryabkov said.
Russia’s Justice Ministry recently applied for the transfer of Yaroshenko, who is serving a 20-year prison term in the United States for drug trafficking.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has also said Moscow will do everything possible to get Bout serving his sentence at home.
Bout, a former Soviet military officer, was found guilty of conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, including military officers and employees, conspiring to use anti-aircraft missiles and selling millions of dollars’ worth of weapons to the Colombian rebel group FARC. He is now serving his 25-year prison term in the Unites States.
Both Bout and Yaroshenko have denied their guilt.