Russia releases a second US citizen as a goodwill gesture ahead of crucial peace talks in Saudi Arabia.
Things are already so different under Trump.
At a Glance
- Kalob Wayne Byers, a US citizen, has been released from Russian detention
- Byers was held on drug smuggling charges for possessing cannabis-laced marmalade
- His release comes ahead of US-Russian peace talks in Saudi Arabia
- The talks aim to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine
- This development signals potential easing of tensions between Russia and the US
Release of Kalob Wayne Byers
Russia has released Kalob Wayne Byers, a US citizen who had been detained on drug smuggling charges – and it’s only happening because Putin wants to negotiate with President Trump. Byers, a nurse and musician, was arrested at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport after customs officials reportedly discovered cannabis-infused marmalade in his belongings. The American faced up to ten years in prison for the alleged offense, which he claimed was for epilepsy treatment.
Byers was traveling with his Russian fiancée, Naida Mambetova, who was also detained during the incident. The couple’s arrest raised concerns about the increasing number of American nationals being held in Russia on various charges. However, in what appears to be a gesture of goodwill, Russian authorities have now released Byers, who is currently residing at the US embassy in Moscow, awaiting his return to America.
Fiancée of American Arrested at Moscow Airport Detained Alongside Him
The fiancée of American citizen Kalob Byers was arrested alongside him in Moscow, according to a Facebook post by Byers’ father. This information is confirmed by Moscow City Court records, which detail her… pic.twitter.com/db09FqgDxs
— Новости «Агентства» (@agents_media) February 16, 2025
Timing and Diplomatic Implications
The release of Kalob Wayne Byers is particularly significant given its timing. It coincides with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s arrival in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russian officials. These talks are among the first high-level in-person discussions between US and Russian representatives in years, highlighting their importance in the current geopolitical landscape.
Notably, Byers’ release follows the pardon of another US citizen, Marc Fogel, who was also detained on drug charges. This series of releases may indicate a thawing in US-Russia relations, potentially paving the way for more constructive dialogue between the two nations.
The upcoming talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are set to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Interestingly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not invited to participate, suggesting that the discussions may focus more broadly on US-Russia relations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has hinted at the potential for discussions on restoring Russian-American relations during these talks.
President Donald Trump’s direct involvement in these negotiations has been notable. He announced talks with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine following a phone call with President Vladimir Putin, signaling a shift in diplomatic approach. This personal engagement at the highest levels of government underscores the gravity of the upcoming discussions.
While the release of Byers and Fogel is a positive development, it’s important to note that other US citizens remain detained in Russia on various charges, including espionage, drug smuggling, and assault. The ongoing detention of these individuals continues to be a point of concern in US-Russia relations.
