A diplomatic breakthrough unfolds between the United States and Russia as another American detainee gains freedom ahead of crucial peace talks.
According to Daily Mail, Russia released Kalob Wayne Byers, a 28-year-old nurse and musician, as a gesture of goodwill before Ukraine peace negotiations between American and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.
Moscow authorities initially detained Byers at Vnukovo Airport on February 7 along with his Russian fiancée Naida Mambetova. The couple faced drug smuggling charges after officials discovered cannabis-laced marmalade in their possession. Byers claimed the cannabis products were necessary for his epilepsy treatment.
Byers' release marks the second US citizen freed by Russia in recent days, following the pardon of Marc Fogel. The 63-year-old Pennsylvania teacher had been imprisoned since 2021 on drug charges while working at the Anglo-American School of Moscow. His release involved a prisoner swap with Russian cryptocurrency expert Alexander Vinnik, who had been serving time in the US for money laundering.
The timing of these releases aligns with preparations for high-level discussions between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already arrived in Riyadh for the talks. The diplomatic mission includes Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
These discussions represent the first major face-to-face negotiations between Russian and US officials in years. The talks aim to precede a meeting between the American and Russian presidents.
Several US citizens continue to face imprisonment in Russia, including ballerina Ksenia Karelina. The 34-year-old Los Angeles spa worker received a 12-year sentence for donating $51.80 to a US organization providing charitable aid to Ukraine.
Stephen James Hubbard, approaching his 73rd birthday, serves nearly seven years for alleged mercenary activities in Ukraine. His family disputes these claims, citing his advanced age. The US government has designated him as wrongfully detained.
Gordon Black, a US staff sergeant previously stationed in South Korea, faces almost four years in prison. Russian courts convicted him of stealing $104 from his Russian girlfriend and making death threats against her.
President Donald Trump's recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin has accelerated diplomatic efforts. The discussion prompted Trump to direct top officials to begin negotiations on ending the three-year conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's absence from the Saudi talks has raised concerns. A senior Ukrainian government source confirmed to the BBC that Kyiv had not received an invitation to participate in the discussions.
The Russian newspaper Kommersant indicates the talks will proceed on Tuesday in Riyadh. However, Ukrainian officials and European leaders claim they were not informed about these bilateral meetings taking place.
Byers' parents expressed gratitude as their son receives treatment for epilepsy at the US embassy while awaiting his flight home. Meanwhile, his Russian fiancée Mambetova's status remains unclear as diplomatic channels focus on resolving broader geopolitical tensions between Washington and Moscow.
