Kalob Byers, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen, has been released from Russian custody following his arrest on drug smuggling charges earlier this month. His freedom comes as part of a diplomatic effort to ease tensions between Washington and Moscow, coinciding with upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing critical issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and other geopolitical matters.

Byers was detained on February 7 at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport after customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-laced marmalade in his belongings. He was reportedly traveling from Istanbul with his Russian fiancée, Naida Mambetova, who was also taken into custody on similar charges. Russian authorities accused Byers of attempting to smuggle a “significant amount” of drugs, which can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Reports indicate that Byers is currently in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow awaiting transportation back to the United States. The release was confirmed by a U.S. official to the Associated Press late Sunday evening. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that Byers' case may be discussed in light of restoring Russian-American relations during the anticipated talks.

It remains unclear whether Mambetova has also been released from pre-trial detention. The increasing frequency of arrests of American nationals in Russia has been a point of contention, reflecting deteriorating relations between the two countries, particularly following the U.S. support of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.

Notably, the recent releases of both Byers and another American, Marc Fogel, who was imprisoned on similar charges, signal a potential thaw in relations. Fogel, a teacher, was detained in 2021 for possessing medically prescribed marijuana and was released earlier this month in a high-profile prisoner exchange.

The shifts in diplomatic dynamics come in the wake of President Donald Trump's statement about initiating negotiations between the U.S. and Russia to address the Ukraine conflict, indicating a possible new direction in foreign policy.

The situation surrounding these arrests and their resolutions highlights the complexities of international relations and the intersection of legal issues with diplomatic ties.

For more details on this developing story, visit VOA News.