Prisoner exchange between Russia and the USA

In December 2022, Russia and the United States conducted a prisoner exchange: Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, convicted in the United States, was returned to his homeland in exchange for a US citizen. Russian citizen Viktor But was also exchanged - after 15 years in prison - for American basketball player Brittney Greiner. In addition, by the end of 2022, Russia released sailors from Russian ships that remained under repairs abroad after the start of the special operation. The exchange was seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to demonstrate that Russia is ready to protect its citizens abroad and use diplomatic channels even amid international isolation. The event became one of the key diplomatic news of 2022 - and slightly softened domestic and foreign political tensions.