Russia ‘releases US citizen detained on drug charges’ ahead of Ukraine peace talks
Russia has reportedly released a American citizen who had been detained on drug charges, just hours ahead of its talks with the US over Ukraine.
The New York Times said that Kalob Byers Wayne had been released by Russia on Monday, hours before the discussions were set to begin.
The 28-year-old had been arrested at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport after flying in from Istanbul on 7 February, on drug smuggling charges after allegedly being caught with cannabis-laced marmalade.
Russian police claimed he had tried to smuggle a “significant amount” of drugs into the country.
Last week, a court in the Russian capital ordered Mr Wayne be held in pre-trial detention for 30 days.
It isn’t clear if his release is aimed at easing tensions in the talks between the US and Russia ahead of negotiations.
The US outlet quoted a Kremlin spokesperson who said the Saudi-based talks would aim to improve relations between Moscow and Washington, “so certain events can be viewed in this context”.
Beginning on Tuesday, the two countries are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
But in doing so, the US has sidelined Kyiv from the discussions, as well as Europe, sparking alarm on the continent.
European leaders have been left scrambling to readjust to their new reality where they cannot rely on the US as much in terms of security and defence under the Trump administration.
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It comes after another US citizen, Marc Fogel, was recently released by Russia and welcomed home by US President Donald Trump.
The 63-year-old history teacher was also arrested on drug smuggling charges – for what he said was medically prescribed cannabis.
President Donald Trump and Marc Fogel in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House.
Pic: AP/Alex Brandon
“I feel like the luckiest man on earth right now,” Mr Fogel said after President Trump welcomed him to the White House.
An American flag draped around his shoulders and a beer in his hands, he added: “I am not the hero in this at all. President Trump is the hero.”
Last year, the largest prisoner exchange between the West and Russia since the Cold War took place.
It saw three Americans freed among 24 people being released.
Elon Musk says he has created a new political party – the America Party –
after asking his followers if he should do so in an online poll.
It follows his public falling out with Republican President Donald Trump.
On Friday, the billionaire had asked his followers on X whether a new US political party should be created.
On Saturday evening he wrote on the same platform: “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!
“When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.
“Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
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Trump threatens to ‘put DOGE’ on Musk
The world’s richest man made the announcement just one day after President Trump signed a tax-cut and spending bill into law on Friday, which Musk had fiercely opposed.
Musk had previously said we would form and fund a new political party to unseat lawmakers who supported the bill.
From bromance to bust-up
The Tesla boss backed Trump’s election campaign with more than a quarter of a billion dollars, later rewarded with a high profile role running the newly created department of government efficiency (DOGE).
But observers of the two men, both with huge wealth and reputations, wondered how long the bromance would last.
Donald Trump gave Musk a warm send-off in the Oval Office in May. Pic: Reuters
In May Musk left the role, still on good terms with Trump but criticising key parts of his legislative agenda.
After that, the attacks ramped up, with Musk slamming the sweeping tax and spending bill as a “disgusting abomination” and Trump hitting back in a barbed tit-for-tat.
Trump earlier this week threatened to cut off the billion-dollar federal subsidies that flow to Musk’s companies, and said he would even consider deporting him.
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