‘Ball in French court’: Russia makes ‘proposal’ over jailed NGO researcher

Moscow has made an offer to Paris regarding jailed French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who is facing espionage charges that could see him sentenced to 20 years in a Russian prison, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

The surprise public overture comes as both Russia and France have expressed interest in possible talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron.

Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO and was jailed in June 2024, is serving a three-year sentence for failing to register as a “foreign agent” but faces fresh allegations of spying.

“There were appropriate contacts between our side and the French. Indeed, a proposal was made to the French regarding Vinatier,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Peskov did not provide details. “The ball is now in France’s court,” he added.

Vinatier’s family have rejected the accusations against him, saying he is a victim of tensions between Moscow and Paris over the war in Ukraine.