Russia signals readiness for prisoner swap discussions as US leaders continue to push for Griner’s release
After WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony for possessing a vape cartridge with hash oil, Russia’s top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, indicated the country’s willingness to discuss a potential prisoner swap. Griner, arrested at Moscow Airport in February, was sentenced on Thursday. Lavrov noted that discussions could proceed if conducted through a mutually agreed channel between Presidents Biden and Putin. In response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the US would continue to pursue this avenue, following an earlier statement from President Biden condemning the sentence as “unacceptable” and calling for Griner’s immediate release. Despite her composure in court, Griner’s defense attorney reported she was devastated by the ruling, emphasizing the emotional toll on the athlete.