There was a “serious proposal” to send Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, who are both serving prison sentences in Russia, back to the United States, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Viktor Bout, a Russian arms trader called “The Merchant of Death,” was reportedly offered by the U.S. for the exchange of prisoners. Trevor Reed, a former U.S. Marine, was released from a Russian prison in April after a prisoner swap.
Blinken went on to say that he would meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Publicly acknowledging a possible prisoner exchange or the removal of economic restrictions was the first step in the process.
As Blinken put it, “I’m hoping to enhance the efforts to bring them home” by speaking with Foreign Minister Lavrov.
The offer to Moscow was officially off on by Vice President Joe Biden, according to Blinken.
According to Blinken, the president “signs off on each recommendation that we make, particularly when it comes to Americans who are being arbitrarily held abroad, including in this specific case.”
According to him, President Biden’s decision to release American Trevor Reed demonstrates that he is “willing to make difficult decisions if it means the safe return of Americans.”
For this purpose, we can send clear, straightforward statements about our goals to the Russians.” “Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan will return, and the grain arrangement will be carried out.”
Since her trial began on July 1, Griner has appeared in court six times. She was arrested for bringing marijuana-infused vape cartridges into the nation on Feb. 17 and is currently being held without bail. Even if she is acquitted, her detention in Russia has been granted until December 20. As of 2018, Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence for espionage charges that the United States denies.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, hinted that it was the right moment to disclose their work with the public when Griner testified for the first time on Wednesday.
Kirby said, “No choice to discuss these issues is done lightly.” “We meticulously plan out each step.” This decision to talk about it was taken in the same spirit and context as what’s going on in both cases,” I can guarantee you. “
In the days leading up to Blinken’s press conference, the administration made several attempts to reach both families, according to Kirby. According to him, the lack of specifics is due to the United States’ reluctance to negotiate in public, but desire to inform both Americans and the rest of the world that the issue is being addressed.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Paul Whelan’s brother, David Whelan, said, “We are grateful that the Biden Administration is exploring for ways to bring Paul home. I find it strange that a concession of any type would be made public. Before it was accepted, I’d never heard of anyone submitting one. Hopefully Lavrov and Putin will accept the proposal. Paul’s return would be greatly appreciated.”
In 2012, Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiring to sell weapons to terrorists.
Former FBI hostage negotiator Rob Saale told USA TODAY Sports: “He’s a nasty person.
Saale warned that any settlement including him would necessitate the release of many American captives. CNN said that the offer was made last month, but Blinken did not comment on the Russian response.
Blinken remarked, “I’m not going to define it.” For me, it’s about making sure we get the yes, no matter what it takes.”
It’s an issue on which we work round the clock, every day of the year.
Requests for comment from the WNBA and Players’ Association were not immediately returned by either organization.
Lindsay Schnell and the AP contributed to this report.