Russia releases U.S. Marine veteran as part of prisoner exchange

This should be a warning to American in Russia,the old adage say , nothing good happened to you,on the street of Moscow at 2 am in the morning,or anytime particular

Good for him. Better get out of there fast.

whose health had recently been worsening, according to his family.

Russian jails are notoriously awful. They're filthy, overcrowded, even basic hygiene is nearly impossible. TB and AIDS are rampant. Russians are also terrible *****, and his being American means he was subject to even more abuse than the average prisoner. At least he's vertical and coming home.

Avenger,he went over to meet a Russian woman,and too attend a wedding

China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, etc.

Travel at your own risk. Americans who go to these places to live or for extended stays need to re-think very, very carefully about what makes their host country tick. One thing’s for sure, your basic human rights in these places don’t exist.

I warn people about be drug resistant TB in Russia

Say that this is a political 'brownie point' for Joe if you like, but this shows that he is a negotiator who knows the art of diplomacy. He knows how to talk with foreign heads of state and get things accomplished. He's got a track record for that.

A few years ago, a certain arrogant tin god would've done nothing but lip off about it, like he does everything.

Russia had sought Yaroshenko's return for years 

why has russia been seeking the return of this drug trafficker for so many years? is it because he is a "pilot"? or the Ru govt needed a reliable person to fill their coffers from the illicit drug trade due to a tanking economy over the past decade?

BlacklabelToday  11:26 am JST

A few years ago, a certain arrogant tin god would've done nothing but lip off about it, like he does everything.

yet that person got dozens of Americans released with his diplomacy.

A sociopathic brat like him could no way get anyone released from anyone. trump caresonly for himself.

Always nice when these kinds of deals can be worked out. I have always said that prison should serve the role of rehabilitation not punishment, but that is honestly best served in your home country. Hopefully both Whelan and Yaroshenko will have learned a lot from their respective mistakes.

On that note, for both sides of this, don't break laws in countries you are visiting and you will be fine. I have traveled to many places said to be hostile to Americans, and have had nothing but extremely positive experiences in all of them.

Sempir Fi

nothing good happened to you,on the street of Moscow at 2 am in the morning,or anytime particular

ahh....that is a good old adage...

Surely a US Marine, who most enjoy street fighting from my experience, as part or his training knows not to assault police officers?

You'd think that Rodney, but there is no lack of cases of US military behaving badly in countries they live in/are stationed in. Look at cases in Japan alone. I definitely am not surprised that one drunk and on holiday would potentially get up to trouble.

Hopefully though, that is a lesson learned by now. I would be surprised if we hear any repeat cases from him, assuming he ever even deigns to travel again.

He went over on a booty call,an got caught

Either Russia learnt from China or China learnt from Russia, when your country's national got locked in the west, just do the reciprocal and wait for their release. Huawei's CFO Miss Meng was arrested by Canada, and China arrested the two Michaels. Three years later they were released to their own countries. That works but required patiences!

what is "unusual" on it?

just wondering...

Surely a US Marine, who most enjoy street fighting from my experience, as part or his training knows not to assault police officers? The Russian dude got the worst deal though. He was tortured in Liberia and illegally deported to US, where he was charged with no cocaine, and reported beaten up in prison. In the American case, 9 years is a little bit lengthy. 3 years would be enough. Suspicious.

A few years ago, a certain arrogant tin god would've done nothing but lip off about it, like he does everything.

yet that person got dozens of Americans released with his diplomacy.

forgot so soon?