Vladimir Putin may have spoken with Bout, says Kremlin spokesman

• Viktor Bout joined the pro-Kremlin LDPR Thursday.
• According to state media, Bout has no plans to run for office or vote.

It is unsure whether Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken with freed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday.

“No, as far as I know, he didn’t. Although, I can’t say about a phone [conversation], I don’t know for sure,” Peskov said during a regular briefing with journalists in response to a question about whether Putin has spoken with Bout since the arms dealer’s release on Thursday.

Peskov added his thoughts on Bout’s decision to join the pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR).

“This is not our question, this is Bout’s personal choice,” Peskov said. “If he sees party prospects for himself, well, good for him. This is his own business.”

Earlier on Monday, Bout was quoted by the Russian state news outlet as saying that he had no immediate plans to run for office or take part in elections.

In addition, Bout will be invited to a meeting of the State Duma’s committee on international affairs, according to LDPR leader Leonid Slutsky, who was quoted by Media.

Peskov was questioned about whether Brittney Griner, a WNBA star who was traded for Bout in a prisoner swap, had submitted a clemency appeal on the call with journalists.

“All necessary procedures were performed in accordance with the law,” Peskov said without elaborating further.

Also Read

Vladimir Putin makes rare public comments about Russian strikes

Vladimir Putin discusses Russia's strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Who hit Crimea's...