French President Emmanuel Macron stated on January 8 that he shared the relief of Laurent Vinatier’s family and friends after the Frenchman, convicted of espionage in Russia and recognized there as a foreign agent, was exchanged for Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin and returned to France.
“Our compatriot Laurent Vinatier is free and has returned to France,” Macron wrote on his social media platform X. “I share the relief of his family and loved ones.”
The French leader also expressed gratitude to diplomats for their efforts in securing Vinatier’s return.
