US’s proposed swap for Griner and Whelan met with skepticism and fury

While some have praised the Biden administration for the deal, others are upset over the prospect of releasing Viktor Bout, nicknamed the Merchant of Death'

A proposal by the Biden administration to exchange notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for WNBA star Brittney Griner and former marine Paul Whelan, two high-profile Americans currently detained in Russia, has been met with praise, confusion and fury.

While some have praised the Biden administration and state department for doing whatever it takes to bring back Griner and Whelan, others have cast skepticism towards the deal, especially when it comes to releasing Bout, who has a notorious international reputation.