Russian authorities have made clear they'll keep pressuring U.S. authorities to send home an ex-Soviet officer sentenced in New York City to 25 years in prison on terrorism charges.

The Russian foreign minister spoke about Viktor Bout (boot) on Friday during a visit to Kazakhstan. He says he'll bring up Bout's conviction with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The Russian Foreign Ministry says it's taking all necessary measures for the return of Bout to his homeland.

Bout's sentencing judge inserted into the public court file copies of letters she received from Russian authorities before Thursday's sentencing.

Bout has been called the Merchant of Death. He was arrested four years ago in Thailand. Prosecutors say he was ready to sell surface-to-air missiles to shoot down U.S. helicopters.

Bout insists he's a legitimate businessman.

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Heintz reported from Moscow.