Contrast this with the recent experience of Bald & Bankrupt, the YouTuber who roamed Russia at will until he and his girlfriend trespassed in a restricted military area. Granted there was nothing secret about the location or its contents, but he still broke the law. So what happened? He paid a small fine, and was told to leave the country and not return for 3 years. I wouldn't call that heavy handed for a nation that's at war and is understandably sensitive about military sites, even if they are abandoned. I like the guy, but seriously, what was he thinking?
Spies are handed back to get one's own back, or at least what they present as their innocent and unjustly detained citizens. It's part of the "game" and has been going on for a decades.
Anyone with a functioning brain would have realized a long time ago that the CIA doesn’t negotiate exchanges for random unfortunate tourists.
I think Russia got the better deal when they traded Brittney Griner, or perhaps got rid of her would be a better way to put it.
Contrast this with the recent experience of Bald & Bankrupt, the YouTuber who roamed Russia at will until he and his girlfriend trespassed in a restricted military area. Granted there was nothing secret about the location or its contents, but he still broke the law. So what happened? He paid a small fine, and was told to leave the country and not return for 3 years. I wouldn't call that heavy handed for a nation that's at war and is understandably sensitive about military sites, even if they are abandoned. I like the guy, but seriously, what was he thinking?
Why were they handed over to the US then? This "proof" just makes Putin look even more weak. Don't you execute spies instead of handing them back?
Spies are handed back to get one's own back, or at least what they present as their innocent and unjustly detained citizens. It's part of the "game" and has been going on for a decades.
You trade for what you want more than a couple of exposed spies of no further use, presumably.
Which is bringing your own back home, so that your Other spies know you have their back.
Usually no, exchange of spies is pretty much a regular event