Russia Confirms Prisoner Exchange Talks After US Pressed for Griner, Whelan
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that they are negotiating with the United States on a prisoner swap, after WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced by Russia. Ministry spokesman Ivan Nechayev confirmed the talks…
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that they are negotiating with the United States on a prisoner swap, after WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced by Russia.
Ministry spokesman Ivan Nechayev confirmed the talks Thursday, according to The Washington Post, who cited Russian state media.
The United States proposed a deal that would include the exchange of Griner and another American prisoner held by Russia, Paul Whelan.
“Instructions were given to authorized structures to carry out negotiations,” Nechayev told journalists in Moscow on Thursday, state media reported. “They are being conducted by competent authorities.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated last month that officials made a “substantial” offer for a deal to free Griner and Whelan.
He has not, however, confirmed media reports that Washington offered to swap Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States.
The State Department asserts that both Griner and Whelan were detained wrongfully, and President Joe Biden has spoken to the families of both Americans about their situation.