Russia freed American prisoner ahead of talks with Washington

19/2/2025 6:12

The Russian government released a U.S. citizen detained on charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana ahead of talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow said.



Kalob Byers, 28, had been detained at Moscow's Vnukovo airport during a baggage check on February 7, after customs officials found cannabis-laced marmalade in his luggage.



The U.S. Embassy spokesman called Byers' release by Moscow "a welcome gesture". Representatives for the U.S. Department of State did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



The Kremlin, asked on Monday if Byers' release suggested a warming in U.S.-Russia ties, said the talks in the Saudi capital Riyadh were aimed at restoring relations between Moscow and Washington.