Ex-diplomat Richardson intends to soon continue dialogue with Russia on the release of Whelan

RIA Novosti was told about this by his representative.

“We hope that this will happen in the coming weeks,” he said, answering a related question.

Earlier, John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator at the White House National Security Council, said that the US authorities could not conclude an agreement with Russia on the exchange of American Paul Whelan on the same conditions that were reached for the return of basketball player Brittney Griner.

On December 8, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the exchange of Greiner for the Russian Viktor Bout.