The 47-year-old has spent more than a decade visiting the country, often in the service of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, an NGO that works in cooperation with the United Nations on discreet informal diplomacy and conflict mediation.
As such, Vinatier is no stranger to Russia's political elite. Earlier in June, he attended the International Economic Forum, one of Russia's most prestigious annual gatherings held in St Petersburg, the country's second-largest city, where Russian President Vladimir Putin often delivers significant policy speeches.
But on June 6, while he was relaxing on a cafe terrace in the heart of Moscow, his visit to Russia took an unexpected turn as plainclothes police officers pounced and took him away.
The authorities subsequently charged him with "failing to register as a foreign agent" while "gathering information on the military of the Russian Federation", an offence that could see Vinatier incarcerated in a Russian prison camp for the next five years if he is convicted.
French President Emmanuel Macron denies claims that the detained man was a spy. "In no way is he someone who was working for France," Mr Macron said in a televised interview on June 6.
The French authorities have no doubts that Vinatier is the latest unwitting victim in a fierce cloak-and-dagger confrontation between Russian and Western intelligence services that is unfolding against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
Russia fired the first salvo in the hostilities between spying agencies with the arrest in March 2023 of Evan Gershkovich, a US citizen employed as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal.
Denne historien er fra June 14, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 14, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore
While it has been only two weeks since Eliska Krupnova joined Singapore Floorball Premier League (SFL) side Wondersticks, the 2020 world's best female floorball player has lit up the league in more ways than one.
HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Belarusian Goutseva back to complete her artistic swimming vision for Singapore
Villa now in the big leagues, thanks to their manager
On The Ball | There are doubts about the new Champions League format, its extended group stage and \"Swiss model\" fixture list. Try telling that to anyone connected with Aston Villa, though.
REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT
Manager says it will let wife see a happy man, but warns of tough stretch ahead
Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality
Unai Emery praised the under-pressure Erik ten Hag on Oct 4 as the Aston Villa boss labelled Manchester United \"the best team in the world\" despite their dismal form.
ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER
Brighton boss, who asked 'many questions' on a day at Spurs in 2023, has 'inside info'
Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months
French international footballer Paul Pogba said on Oct 4 that his \"nightmare is over\" after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months.
Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal
Chelsea are improving but are not yet ready to compete with top English Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca said on Oct 4.
Billie Jean King Cup to align with Davis Cup format
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will transition to an eight-team event in 2025, from the current 12, to mirror the existing Davis Cup format, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Oct 4.
Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on
Rugby union's governing body World Rugby has revived talks to raise funds for growing the sport in the United States, three people familiar with the matter said.