On Friday, President Joe Biden will meet with family members of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, two Americans imprisoned in Russia. Griner is a professional basketball player, and Whelan is a former U.S. Marine.
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “One of the things the president wanted to make clear was that he wanted them to know that they remain in the forefront of his mind and that his team is working every day to see that Brittany and Paul return home safely.”
Griner, who plays for a Russian club, has been imprisoned since 17 February, when cannabis-infused vape cartridges were discovered in her luggage at a Moscow airport.
She has been given a nine-year prison sentence.
Former Marine Whelan is serving a 16-year term on false spying allegations, according to him and his family.
Jean-Pierre stated, “While I would want to say that the aim of this meeting is to notify the families that the Russians have accepted our offer and we are bringing their loved ones home, that is not the case at this time.”
As previously stated, the Russians must accept our offer. Today, they should accept our offer.
The press secretary of the White House, Karine Jean-Pierre, revealed the meetings during her daily briefing. However, she stated that there was no positive news for the families.