Freed Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout has said that the United States used to be a model for the entire world but has lost its values and become a shadow of its former self.
Bout said this in his first interview after serving jail term in a US prison for arms trafficking, money laundering and conspiring to kill Americans.
The 55-year-old, nicknamed Merchant of Death by his accusers, was freed in a prisoner swap for U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, 32, on Thursday. The prisoner exchange took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In an interview with Russian state-controlled broadcaster RT, Bout said he found out in prison that most Americans had nothing against Russia despite propaganda by the American government and media.
He said that the rural Americans he met while serving time were easy to deal with, had no problems with Russia, and were curious to learn more about the European nation.
He added that America had lost its old Christian values, for which it served as an example for the world, and their families as well.
“It is no longer the same country,” Bout said.
Watch video:
Viktor Bout gives his first interview since being released, in which he expressed his empathy for the United States. pic.twitter.com/9OTBcFbcRA
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 11, 2022
Very well written; excellent material; thoughtful mapping of similar distribution.