U.S. offers deal for Griner's release from prison in Russia

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner remains detained in Russia. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

U.S. offers deal for Brittney Griner's release from prison in Russia

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/27/22

The Biden administration officially offered a deal to the Russian government for the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told media outlets on Wednesday.

NEW: Sec of State Antony Blinken just now: will speak to Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and demand release of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan. Says US "Put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago" to facilitate their release. First public acknowledgment of proposal. https://t.co/YOKMzVeEFo
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 27, 2022

CNN reported that the offer includes bringing Griner and another imprisoned American, Paul Whelan, back to the states in exchange for releasing a Russian arms trafficker currently serving jail time in the U.S.

CNN Exclusive: Biden admin has offered to exchange Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker serving a 25-year US prison sentence, in potential deal for release of detained Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, @kylieatwood @evanperez @jmhansler reporting
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) July 27, 2022

According to ESPN, the offer was made "weeks ago," and Blinken has requested a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Blinken also said he has not spoken with his Russian counterpart since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Griner was arrested in February on drug charges while traveling to Russia to play with her international team. She testified in her trial last week.

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