Viktor Bout, who returned to Russia from imprisonment in the United States in early December, took part in opening a branch of the Russian Liberal Democratic Party in Luhansk, Ukraine, which is under the control of the Russian Federation, on December 17.

In his speech, Bout compared the "return to Russia" of the occupied territories of eastern Ukraine with his own return to the Russian Federation.

"All these eight long years, I have closely followed what is happening in the Donbas. And you know, your example played a lot for me, helped me, because you are all heroes. Your will, determination, and the fact that you not only survived but also won and returned to Russia - this is very important.

So thank you all very much. And you inspired me, which allowed me to return to my homeland, like the entire Donbas, to Russia. Thank you."

According to the Zvezda TV , on the way to the event, Viktor Bout and the head of the party, Leonid Slutsky, “nearly came under fire.”

• Viktor Bout joined the Liberal Democratic Party on December 12, a few days after he was exchanged for American basketball player Brittney Griner, convicted in the Russian Federation.