Putin promises bright future for Russian spies after US swap
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Russia's Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, said yesterday that he had met Russian spies swapped in an exchange with the US earlier this month, and promised them a bright future in Russia.
Mr Putin did not say where he met the spies, but said they sang Soviet songs together and he told them he admired what they did.
"As far as those people are concerned – every one of them had a tough life," he said. "First was to master a foreign language as your own. Think and speak it, and do what are you told to do for the interest of your motherland for many years without counting on diplomatic immunity."
The 10 spies pleaded guilty to being agents for Russia while living undercover in the US in one of the biggest spy scandals since the Cold War.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments