comment: >
  
  That was the rationale for swapping him for Griner, but he I bet he still has contacts, and he still has status.  Wouldn't be hard with his background to connect
context: During an interview last month with convicted Russian agent Maria Butina for the state media outlet RT, Bout proclaimed his wholehearted support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said he would certainly sign up as a volunteer, if he had the opportunity and necessary skills.
  During his Wednesday interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda Radio, Bout was a lot more cautious, probably realizing that no special skills are required to be dispatched to the frontlines.
  
  "Man, I'd totally sign up! If only I could..."
  "Good news, you can!"
  "I mean, I would, but I lack the skills -"
  "Worry not! We'll take literally anyone!"
  "...I, uh, just need to check on something first. In, uh...somewhere else." >
  
  
  “Sooner or later, the deep America will stand up, take power into its hands and install a normal president like Trump, who will say: “Why wouldn’t we want to get along with Russia?” Karpitskaya quietly replied: “We’ll be waiting.”
  
  Chilling. >
  
  What? Trump a, "Normal President"? 
  We're better off with an actual military veteran in office, not some tender foot. >
  
  he looks like he can catch bullets as well as anyone >
  
  If you can dodge a bullet, you can dodge a ball. >
  
  And this is why Russia never had an Olympic gold medal winning dodgeball team. >
  
  Wow so delusional that guy might be drunk >
  
  Well, Bout's history isn't actually fighting himself.  Its arms and other weapons related dealings and conspiracy which would possibly result in thousands of deaths. Hence, "The Merchant of Death."  Doesn't mean he's pulling the trigger or personally blowing people up
  edit: typo >
  
  But after years in jail, his contacts are no longer as useful, he likely would be more useful to Russia on the front lines.