Russia Releases American Detained on Drug Charges Ahead of U.S.-Russia Talks

Kalob Byers, arrested for cannabis possession in Moscow, is freed as U.S. and Russian officials meet to discuss Ukraine and bilateral relations.

Kalob Byers, a 28-year-old American, was detained on February 7 at Moscow's Vnukovo airport after customs officials discovered cannabis-laced gummies in his luggage.
Russian authorities accused Byers of attempting to smuggle a significant amount of drugs, a charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison, though his family stated the products were for treating epilepsy.
Byers' release comes shortly before high-level U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, marking the first such meeting since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The talks aim to address U.S.-Russia relations, explore pathways to end the war in Ukraine, and discuss post-conflict economic opportunities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the talks for excluding Ukraine, emphasizing that no decisions about Ukraine should be made without its involvement.