France, Jan. 8 -- Russia's FSB security service said Vinatier, 49, had been pardoned by President Vladimir Putin, according to the RIA news agency.

The announcement came after France freed Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin from custody.

The FSB released footage on Thursday showing both men being freed.

Kasatkin's lawyer Frederic Belot said his client, who was detained last June at the request of the United States over alleged involvement in hacking attacks, flew back to Moscow on Thursday.

Four charged in Paris over suspected Russia-linked spy network Foreign agent case

Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation group, was arrested in June 2023 for allegedly gathering information on the Russian army.

He was sentenced...