Russian businessman **Viktor Bout**, who was exchanged for American basketball player Brittney Griner in 2022, has commented on the decision made by a French court to extradite Russian basketball player **Daniil Kasatkin** to the United States. Kasatkin faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years for charges related to computer fraud.

“The situation with Kasatkin represents yet another instance of the U.S. exercising its jurisdiction in third countries, unlawfully detaining our citizens abroad based on unfounded accusations, and without presenting any tangible evidence that would supposedly be brought forth in a U.S. court.

It seems the French Prime Minister will thoughtlessly sign off on this decision, and Kasatkin will be met at the airport in France, papers will be signed, he will be formally dressed in handcuffs, and then sent to the United States. There, he will be imprisoned. We should turn the tables on the French by presenting them with baseless charges and wait for their reaction. That’s the only language French justice understands. Perhaps this would command more respect from the Americans. In the U.S., individuals involved in extraditions have turned this into a lucrative private business, profiting off of it. This must come to an end; it is modern-day piracy.

I believe the Russian embassy in the U.S. will promptly try to send a representative for Kasatkin. The embassy needs to be notified that a Russian citizen has been brought to the U.S. It’s essential to write to various authorities; his name must be mentioned in discussions. Otherwise, he risks receiving a life sentence or 25 years. I wish him and his loved ones strength during this time. Russia does not abandon its own. This struggle will be long, but there is always hope. We just need to remain true to ourselves and our homeland and do everything we can in such situations. The future holds promise! All Russians will support and demand his release from American prisons. We must mobilize public opinion and do everything possible to assist him,” Bout’s words were quoted by “Match TV.”