In 2022, the notorious arms dealer Wiktor But was released from US custody in a prisoner swap with Russia. Now he is supposed to sell Kalashnikovs to the Houthi militia in Yemen.
According to a report in the US daily newspaper “Wall Street Journal” (“WSJ”), Viktor But, 57, who was released from US custody in a prisoner exchange in 2022, is said to be responsible for the renewed sale of small arms, especially Kalashnikov-type assault rifles, to the Houthi militias mediated in Yemen.
But himself subsequently described the publication as deliberately disseminated information on the birthday of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, as his lawyer told the “WSJ”. The Russian president turned 72 on Monday. Despite limited resources, the Houthis did a “pretty good job” by shooting down more than ten US reconnaissance drones, praised But. But because there are no known actors there, the US media used his name and image as an arms baron to attract attention. The anti-Western Houthi rebels in Yemen have regularly fired rockets or drones at targets in Israel and ships in the Red Sea since the Gaza war broke out.
Wiktor But as “Merchant of Death”
The Kremlin also rejected reports about the arms dealer’s possible involvement in arms deals in Yemen, as “WSJ” quotes from a statement from the Russian agency Tass. “We tend to classify this as fakes or attempts at a verbal attack against our people’s representatives,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on a corresponding report.
But was arrested in 2008 for supplying weapons to numerous criminal groups and despotic regimes and was later sentenced to 25 years in prison in the USA. Media gave him the name “Merchant of Death”, as in the 2005 Hollywood film of the same name (“Lord of War” in the original title). In it, his life story is presented by Nicolas Cage.
Exchanged for Brittney Griner in 2022
In December 2022, the Kremlin reached a prisoner exchange. In return, Moscow released, among others, basketball player Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to a long prison sentence for drug possession in Russia. Since his release, But has held a seat for a Kremlin-affiliated party in a regional parliament.
A Houthi spokesman declined to comment to the WSJ. The Houthi rebels are supported by Iran and have repeatedly attacked international shipping – including with drones. They are also accused of rocket attacks against Israel. In response, the USA and Israel carried out numerous air strikes against the Houthis.
Sources: (Paid Content), DPA
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
