Russia made proposal to France on jailed French researcher Vinatier, says Kremlin

MOSCOW – Russia had made a proposal to France regarding Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher jailed for violating Russia’s foreign agent laws, and the ball is now in Paris’ court, the Kremlin said on Dec 25.

Vinatier was in 2024 sentenced to three years in jail for failing to comply with laws requiring individuals deemed “foreign agents” to register and meet a number of stipulations. He is now facing additional espionage charges.

France has said Vinatier was arbitrarily detained and has called for his release. President Emmanuel Macron has denied that Vinatier worked for the French state and has described his arrest as part of a misinformation campaign by Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there had been contacts with France on the issue.

“There were indeed relevant contacts between us and the French,” Mr Peskov told reporters. “Indeed, an offer was made to the French about this. The ball is in France’s court right now.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier in December that he would look into the case. REUTERS