Bild explained why Putin sought to exchange killer Krasikov.

Western intelligence suggests that Russian President Putin and Russian killer Vadim Krasikov had close ties in the past. Likely, the killer possesses dangerous information for the Kremlin. This is reported by the publication Bild.

«Putin might have been afraid that Krasikov would disclose important information if he remained in a German prison – out of revenge against the Russian regime, which isn't doing everything for his release, or to strike a deal with the German authorities», – the material states.

The publication also suggests that Krasikov might have had a role in Putin's rise to power. It is believed that in the 1990s, he worked for Anatoly Sobchak and his deputy, and took measures against their political opponents.

However, in February 2000, a few weeks after Putin came to power, Sobchak suddenly died. The official cause of death – a heart attack – remained just one of the versions. Relatives speculated that Sobchak was murdered.

Thus, Western intelligence representatives suspect that Krasikov might be connected to Sobchak's possible murder and that the trail could lead to Putin himself. This explains the persistence with which the Russian dictator fought for the killer's release.

Recall, German investigators are dissatisfied with the release of the Russian FSB killer Vadim Krasikov during the prisoner exchange between Russia and the West, which took place on August 1. Among high-ranking German investigators, there is «little understanding», and what happened is considered to be excessive concession towards the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

U.S. President Joe Biden officially confirmed the prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington. According to him, the U.S. managed to negotiate with Russia for the release of 16 individuals, including five Germans and seven Russians who were political prisoners in their country.

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