I had suggested Putin do just this in a post several months earlier. He was suppose to, however, make this offer in the public arena, not through diplomatic channels.
Have the offer for Griner or Whelen reported by the press with Biden having to make the decision. Putin must know our media is a tool like Pravda. Putin dropped the ball on this one.
I can imagine Putin and his strategists:
Putin: “Comrades we need Viktor Bout back, our supplies of microchips for our missiles are growing low. With a new supply the air forces has assured us Ukraine’s electrical grid will suffer complete collapse and they will be forced to surrender by April. Viktor Bout still has connections in China and other countries, with oil stocks promised they will be eager to trade”.
An unknown voice: “But Mr Putin Sir, he is in an American prison.”
Hand is raised: “ Dear comrades I have a plan— let us offer a trade. We will suggest a worthless American we have under our control that would nevertheless appeal to Biden’s more radical voting base. He will be overly eager to reclaim their votes in 2024. It will work beautifully”
Unknown voice again: “ comrade surely you jest!? The Americans will refuse, only a complete fool would accept such a trade!”.
Putin quietly laughing: “it will work beautifully, implement the plan immediately”.
