Biden says Griner is safe in American custody and on her way home.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the swap, saying in a statement carried by Russian news agencies that the exchange took place in Abu-Dhabi and that Bout has been flown home
"We've not forgotten about Paul Whelan," Biden said. "We will keep negotiating in good faith for Paul's release."Whelan's brother David said in a statement he was "so glad" for Griner's release but also disappointed for his family. He credited the White House with giving the Whelan family advance notice and said he did not fault officials for making the deal.
The Biden administration was ultimately willing to exchange Bout if it meant Griner's freedom. The detention of one of the greatest players in WNBA history contributed to a swirl of unprecedented public attention for an individual detainee case -- not to mention intense pressure on the White House. The exchange was carried out despite deteriorating relations between the powers. But the imprisonment of Americans produced a rare diplomatic opening, yielding the highest-level known contact between Washington and Moscow -- a phone call between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov -- in more than five months.
Besides the efforts of U.S. officials, the release also followed months of back channel negotiations involving Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage talks, and his top deputy, Mickey Bergman. Before being sentenced on Aug. 4 and receiving a punishment her lawyers said was out of line for the offense, an emotional Griner apologized "for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them." She added: "I hope in your ruling it does not end my life."
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Russia frees WNBA star Brittney Griner in prisoner swap; US releases arms dealer Viktor Bout | LIVERussia has freed WNBA star Brittney Griner in a prisoner swap, with the U.S. releasing Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Baca lebih lajut »
Russia frees WNBA star Brittney Griner in prisoner swap; US releases arms dealer Viktor Bout | LIVEPresident Biden addresses prisoner swap with Russia for Brittney Griner
Baca lebih lajut »
Russia frees WNBA star Brittney Griner in prisoner swap; US releases arms dealer Viktor BoutBREAKING NEWS: Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American officials said. Latest details here:
Baca lebih lajut »
Biden says Brittney Griner is 'safe' after release from Russia in prisoner swapThe president on Thursday said the WNBA star is “safe” and on her way home after being freed from Russian custody in a prisoner exchange for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Baca lebih lajut »