For the first time since their loved ones were detained in Russia, the families of American basketball star Brittney Griner and Marine veteran Paul Whelan will have the chance to speak to President Joe Biden in person.
Biden plans to meet with Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, and Whelan's sister, Elizabeth Whelan, at the White House on Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday.
While Russia did not accept the offer of a 2-for-1 swap for Bout, the U.S. has continued to try to negotiate. When asked Thursday for an update,,"Why this process is taking so long is a better question for Moscow than it is for us." Griner was arrested last February when she flew into Moscow with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. During her trial, Griner
The real purpose of Griner’s trial, according to experts, was to legitimize the Kremlin’s desire to hold her until it could extract concessions out of the U.S. in exchange for her safe return. A guilty verdict and a long sentence give the Kremlin the most leverage in negotiations with the U.S. and increase the pressure on the Biden administration to cut a deal to bring Griner home.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden to meet with families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan amid U.S.-Russia talksSenior administration officials say President Joe Biden plans to meet at the White House on Friday with the families of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both of whom remain jailed in Russia.
Read more »
Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan families to meet with President Biden amid US-Russia talksFamilies of imprisoned Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan will meet with Biden at the White House Friday amid Russia-US prisoner swap talks.
Read more »
Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan families to meet President Biden amid US-Russia talksWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden plans to meet at the White House on Friday with family members of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security...
Read more »
Families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan to meet Biden amid U.S.-Russia talks“He wanted to let them know that they remain front of mind and that his team is working on this every day on making sure that Brittney and Paul return home safely,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing at the White House.
Read more »
Biden will meet with the families of Russia detainees Brittney Griner and Paul WhelanJoe Biden has said Griner and Whelan are wrongfully detained in Russia. Griner, a WNBA star, was convicted of marijuana possession, and Whelan, an ex-Marine, was convicted of espionage.
Read more »