French researcher Laurent Vinatier returned to France on Thursday following a prisoner exchange that involved a Russian basketball player sought by the United States, according to official sources.

The swap occurred after both Moscow and Paris expressed a willingness to rekindle dialogue nearly four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Vinatier’s release was part of a deal that included the exchange for 26-year-old Daniil Kasatkin, who was apprehended in France last June on accusations related to hacking originating from the U.S.

President Emmanuel Macron announced on social media, “Our fellow citizen Laurent Vinatier is safe and back in France,” adding that he shared the relief felt by Vinatier’s family and close friends.

After landing at a military base near Paris, Vinatier was greeted by his parents and Jean-Noel Barrot, France’s foreign minister.

Arrested in Russia in June 2024 while documenting what prosecutors described as information on Russian military operations, Vinatier was working for a Swiss NGO specializing in conflict mediation at the time.

He had been sentenced to three years for not registering as a “foreign agent” and was facing additional espionage charges that could result in a sentence of up to 20 years.

Last month, the Kremlin revealed it had made a proposal to France concerning Vinatier’s situation, raising hopes for his release. Russian media broadcast footage of a smiling Vinatier exiting prison, dressed entirely in black and carrying a large duffel bag.

According to Russia’s FSB security agency, Vinatier was “pardoned” by a presidential decree. A source familiar with the situation indicated that Paris notified Washington about the basketball player returning to Russia.

Media outlets aired video footage of Vinatier receiving a warm welcome as he was released from jail, later seen boarding an aircraft.

In December, the Kremlin mentioned that Vladimir Putin had shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with Macron after the French leader suggested that Europe should communicate with Russia to seek an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

When asked about the potential for resuming bilateral discussions with Russia, French diplomats chose not to comment.

For a long time, Western nations have accused Russia of detaining their citizens as leverage to secure the release of alleged Russian spies and cyber criminals being held in Europe and the United States.

Kasatkin, who was part of the exchange, had been detained at a Paris airport last year following a U.S. request.

The United States alleged that he was involved in a ransomware hacking operation, a claim he denied.

Footage shared by the FSB showed Kasatkin arriving in Russia and getting into a minibus.

The relationship between France and Russia has significantly soured since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Moscow attributing much of the war’s blame to Paris and other European capitals.

France, which is one of Ukraine’s main supporters, maintains that Russia bears full responsibility for the conflict and could resolve it if it chose to do so.

Vinatier, who is an expert on Russia and the former Soviet Union, had authored over a dozen scholarly articles and had previously worked with NATO and the European Parliament according to his curriculum vitae.

During his time of arrest, he was employed by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, a Swiss NGO that facilitates conflict mediation through unofficial diplomatic channels, especially concerning Ukraine.

The NGO expressed joy over the release of their “dear colleague,” stating that “Laurent’s friends and colleagues are thrilled about his return, showing their solidarity with him and his family as they move forward.”

In court, Vinatier had admitted to his charges and requested a “merciful” sentence while citing the national poet of Russia, Alexander Pushkin.

A lawyer for Vinatier’s family hailed his release as a “significant relief,” emphasizing their happiness that he was freed in time for Orthodox Christmas. Frederic Belot, who also represents Kasatkin, conveyed to AFP that it was a powerful gesture, as Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7.