Antonov: Russia and the United States did not discuss the exchange of prisoners

So he commented on a recent relevant publication in the New Yorker magazine.

“We have never raised the topic of the 'exchange' of Americans convicted in Russia for Russians in the United States.

The article (magazine -

) contains an outright lie.

The deliberate distortion of the words and actions of the Russian government - with reference to American officials - causes surprise and rejection, ”Antonov said in his comment.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry denied reports of allegedly discussing with the United States the exchange of American Paul Whelan, convicted for espionage in Russia, for Russian citizens.