Ex-Marine Paul Whelan wasn’t freed with back-in-the-USA basketball starBrittney Griner because Russia demanded the release of a killer spy who’s imprisoned for life in Germany.

Negotiations to swap Russian “Merchant of Death” arms dealer Viktor Bout for both Griner and Whelan broke down over Russian demands that convicted assassin Vadim Krasikov be included in the deal, according to multiple reports.

Russia was willing to trade Griner for Bout because it considers both of them criminals, the New York Times said Friday, citing unidentified US officials.