Viktor Blout shows his artworks in Moscow

Bout, widely known abroad as the “dealer of death,” was convicted on terrorism charges in 2011, with prosecutors saying he was willing to sell up to $20 million worth of weapons, including surface-to-air missiles to the US helicopters shot down.

He firmly denied the allegations and maintained his innocence, describing himself as a legitimate businessman who did not sell weapons. Russian officials have viewed him as a victim of a nefarious US stabbing operation and for many years have called for his release.

When Moscow and Washington struck a deal in December to swap him for Griner, Bout was being held at a medium-security facility in Marion, Illinois, and was not scheduled to be released until 2029.

Upon returning to Moscow, Bout quickly became a member of the Kremlin-backed Liberal Democratic Party, but dodged questions about a potential political career.

Bout’s art exhibition features a wide range of styles and subjects – from portraits of Soviet-era movie stars to fighter jets and animals. Most of his drawings and paintings are realistically executed, but there are also some attempts at abstract composition.

The exhibit includes personal belongings, photographs and a floor plan of his cell in the US prison.