The reaction to the swap in Germany—a proud Rechtsstaat, or state that obeys the rule of law—has been decidedly mixed. RND, a German news network, called it a “dirty deal”, and several columnists fulminated at the news. Prosecutors ordered by Germany’s Justice Ministry to release Mr Krasikov are reported to be furious. Marco Buschmann, the minister who issued the instruction, acknowledged that it was “a bitter concession”. Other politicians were yet more sceptical, warning that the release would only embolden Mr Putin and other autocrats to take more hostages.