Viktor Bout Joins Russian Ultranationalist Party

Viktor Bout Joins , Russian Ultranationalist Party.

Insider reports that the Russian arms dealer who was freed in exchange for Brittney Griner has joined the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR).

His place in the far-right, ultranationalist party could position him to run for a Parliament seat.

LDPR leader Leonid Slutsky thanked Bout, aka the "Merchant of Death," for joining "the best political party in today's Russia.".

Since being founded in 1992, the LDPR has advocated for reclaiming former Soviet Union countries.

The party stands behind President Vladimir Putin's war with Ukraine.

While Bout claims to have no current plans to be involved in "any elections," Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin praised his foray into politics.

Viktor Bout is not a person, he is an example of firmness, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian oligarch, via Insider.

Bout will certainly be good at the head of any existing party and any movement.

, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian oligarch, via Insider.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has voiced its own concerns.

I think there is a concern that he would return to doing the same kind of work that he's done in the past, Senior U.S. defense official, via Insider