Alexander Vinnik, a cryptocurrency expert and former operator of BTC-e, returned to Russia after a prisoner swap with the U.S. for Marc Fogel, an American teacher. Vinnik faced money laundering charges in the U.S., while Fogel was imprisoned for marijuana possession. Their exchange was seen as a potential step toward improved U.S.-Russia relations and negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Vinnik thanked both President Putin and U.S. President Trump for his release, and their exchanges have raised hopes for diplomatic progress.