×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.

Russian Convicted of Drug Smuggling in U.S. Asks Putin Help With Transfer

NEW YORK —? A Russian pilot sentenced to 20 years in prison in the U.S. for drug trafficking has appealed to President Vladimir Putin to facilitate his transfer back to Russia, his lawyer said.

In his letter, Konstantin Yaroshenko said he was critically ill and urged Putin to personally contact U.S. President Barack Obama about his case, Russian media reported.

"In Russia I have a wife, a daughter and a 73-year old mother who I have not seen for many years and who I want to see at least one more time," Yaroshenko wrote.

Russian officials have repeatedly condemned the treatment of Yaroshenko.

The Foreign Ministry said last week that the United States' refusal to extradite the pilot was inadmissible and warned that it would harm bilateral ties.

Yaroshenko was detained by U.S. law enforcement officers in the African state of Liberia in 2010 before being taken to the U.S. to stand trial.

He pleaded innocent to drug trafficking but was convicted and sentenced in April 2011 for colluding to smuggle cocaine into the United States.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysiss and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more