Viktor Bout Returns to Arms Dealing

Viktor Bout, the infamous Russian arms dealer known as the 'Merchant of Death,' has reportedly resumed arms dealing just two years after being released in a prisoner swap for WNBA star Brittney Griner. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Bout is negotiating a $10 million deal to supply small arms to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants, raising concerns about the potential escalation of conflict in the region. Bout, who had been serving a 25-year sentence for illegal arms trade before his release, has shifted towards a political career in Russia but appears to be returning to his former illicit trade. The potential arms shipments have not yet been delivered, and U.S. officials worry about the implications of such deals. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports as 'fakes,' while experts caution that Bout's return to arms dealing could embolden further hostage negotiations by Russia. This development reflects ongoing tensions following U.S. support for Ukraine amidst the conflict with Russia.