Russia is hopeful it can agree a prisoner swap with the US that would include infamous arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known as the Merchant of Death.
It is the first time U.S or Russian officials have publicly said Bout could be part of an exchange.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday he hoped the prospect of a swap had “strengthened”.
The US has previously said it was eager to organise a prisoner swap to release U.S basketball player Brittney Griner, convicted of illegal drug possession in August after cannabis oil vapes were found in her bags as she tried to enter Russia.
