Diplomatic Efforts Underway as Kremlin Proposes Solution for Imprisoned Researcher Vinatier | World | london-news-net.preview-domain.com

Diplomatic Efforts Underway as Kremlin Proposes Solution for Imprisoned Researcher Vinatier

December 30, 2025

Diplomatic Efforts Underway as Kremlin Proposes Solution for Imprisoned Researcher Vinatier

The Kremlin announced on Thursday that it has made a “proposal” to France concerning Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher detained in Russia on espionage accusations which could result in a sentence of up to 20 years.

“We have reached out to the French authorities regarding this matter. A proposal about Vinatier was indeed made,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated to the press, without revealing further specifics. “The next steps now depend on France.”

Vinatier, who is employed by a Swiss organization focused on conflict mediation, was taken into custody in June 2024 and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for not registering as a “foreign agent.” Additional espionage charges have since been filed against him by prosecutors.

Last week, President Vladimir Putin indicated he would investigate the matter after a French journalist inquired about Vinatier during his annual press conference.

“I wasn’t aware of this case until now,” Putin responded to the journalist. “However, I assure you that I will look into it. If there is any possibility for a positive resolution under Russian law, we will endeavor to pursue it.”

Vinatier is part of a group of Western nationals who have been detained in Russia following the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

During hearings related to his initial case, Vinatier, an established expert on Russia, claimed he was unaware of the requirement to register under the “foreign agents” legislation. He expressed regret and stated that he aimed to represent Russia’s interests in his international work.

Human rights organizations and independent monitors have reported that Russian authorities increasingly use alleged breaches of the “foreign agents” law as grounds for apprehending individuals, eventually leading to more significant criminal charges.

Reporting by AFP contributed to this story.

previous post

Chico Bids Legal Battle: Former X Factor Star Pleads Not Guilty to Drink Driving Charge

Related posts

State Duma Passes 2026-28 Budget and Tax Increase Bills Текст: State Duma lawmakers on ThursdaypassedRussia’s three-year federal budget and a package of tax increases, bills aimed at shoring up government revenues as spending on the war against Ukraine remains a top priority for the Kremlin. Under the budget plan, the government expects revenue of 40.3 trillion rubles ($491.7 billion) next year and spending of 44 trillion rubles ($548.3 billion), leaving a projected deficit of 3.8 trillion rubles ($47.3 billion). Defense and national security will account for roughly 38% of all spending in 2026, or 16.8 trillion rubles ($209.5 billion), which is slightly lower than in the previous two years but still far above pre-war levels. Lawmakers sought to highlight funding for domestic programs, including more than 10 trillion rubles ($124.6 billion) for family support measures and 50 billion rubles ($623 million) for a state-backed charity foundation that assists soldiers fighting in Ukraine and their families. Although overall spending will remain broadly stable, budget allocations reveal that the Kremlin’s priorities continue to lie in foreign policy and defense. Alongside the budget plan, the State Duma approved a series of tax changes aimed at closing the fiscal gap created by soaring military expenditures and falling oil and gas revenues under Western sanctions. Russia’s value-added tax (VAT) will increase to 22% from 20%, a move expected to raise consumer prices higher. Economists, including those at the Financial Ministry, havesaidthey anticipate a modest rise in inflation as the VAT hike takes effect starting next year. More small businesses will also be swept into the tax system. The annual revenue threshold for companies required to pay VAT will drop from 60 million rubles ($732,000) to 10 million rubles ($122,000). Some lawmakers havewarnedthat the change could strain small businesses and individual entrepreneurs, many of whom earn less than 200,000 rubles ($2,500) a month after taxes and salaries. Economists estimate the full package, which also includes a new levy on betting company profits, could bring in nearly 3 trillion rubles ($35 billion) in additional revenue. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said Thursday that lawmakers had approved the federal budget and tax hikes “under difficult circumstances,” citing more than 30,000 sanctions imposed on Russia and what he called “unfriendly actions” by the EU targeting Russian assets. The 2026-28 budget passed with 349 votes, while 56 lawmakers — mostly from the Communist Party — abstained. Only one deputy, Anton Krasnoshantov of the ruling United Russia party, was recorded as voting against the bill, though his “no” vote was allegedly the result of a technical error. The federal budget and tax bills now head to the Federation Council, where they are expected to receive swift approval before being sent to President Vladimir Putin’s desk for his signature.

rimmaruslan98@gmail.com November 22, 2025

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More