# BRITTNEY GRINER: A BASKETBALL STAR CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

## Introduction

Brittney Griner, a star American basketball player, became an unexpected pawn in geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia when she was detained in February 2022.

Her arrest on drug charges, subsequent imprisonment, and eventual release through a high-profile prisoner exchange exemplifies the complex intersection of sports, gender issues, and international politics in the contemporary world.

This report examines Griner's ordeal, the political implications of her detention, her experiences in the Russian penal system, the American government's efforts to secure her release, and her adjustment to life after returning home.

## Who is Brittney Griner?

Born in Houston, Texas in 1990, Brittney Griner stands as one of the world's premier women's basketball players.

As a center for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), she has achieved remarkable athletic success, including:

- Winning a WNBA championship with Phoenix Mercury in 2014
- Being selected as a WNBA All-Star seven times
- Earning two Olympic gold medals with the U.

S.

women's basketball team (2016 and 2021)

Like many WNBA players, Griner supplemented her income by playing overseas during the American league's off-season, joining the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg—a common practice given the significantly higher salaries offered by international teams.

## The Arrest and Detention

In February 2022, Russian Federal Customs Service officials detained Griner at Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow.

She was found in possession of electronic cigarettes containing cannabis oil in her luggage.

Russian authorities opened a criminal case for "large-scale drug transportation," an offense carrying a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The timing of her arrest was particularly significant, occurring just weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and amid escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations.

At the time of her detention, Griner was the only WNBA player still remaining in Russia or Ukraine, as all others had departed following safety warnings.

The U.

S.

State Department had been actively warning American citizens against traveling to Russia and urging those already there to leave immediately.

As former U.

S.

Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul stated following Griner's arrest, "This should be a wake-up call to all Americans in Russia.

Stop your business, get out quickly.

"

## Legal Proceedings and Incarceration

Russian authorities prosecuted Griner, ultimately convicting her and sentencing her to nine years in prison.

She spent approximately ten months behind bars in the Russian penal system before her release.

While details about her specific prison conditions are limited in the provided documents, her case highlighted the risks faced by Americans in Russia's justice system, particularly during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.

## Political Implications

Griner's detention cannot be separated from the broader political context of U.

S.

-Russia relations:

1.

**Timing and Geopolitical Tensions**: Her arrest occurred at a volatile moment, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and as Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia.

**Hostage Diplomacy**: The case exemplified how governments can use high-profile individuals as bargaining chips in international disputes.

Griner's status as a celebrated athlete made her an attractive target for Russian authorities seeking leverage in negotiations with the United States.

**Diplomatic Challenges**: The Biden administration faced criticism regarding the prisoner exchange that secured Griner's release.

Former President Donald Trump called the deal "stupid and one-sided" because it did not include Paul Whelan, another American detained in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

**Precedent Concerns**: The U.

S.

government has historically resisted prisoner exchanges, fearing they might encourage hostage-taking.

However, the Biden administration ultimately supported the deal to secure Griner's release.

## The Prisoner Exchange

In December 2022, after months of negotiations, the United States and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:

- Brittney Griner was released in exchange for Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer known as "The Merchant of Death.

"
- Bout had been serving a 25-year sentence in the United States after being convicted of weapons trafficking to conflict zones around the world, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan.

- Both individuals were pardoned by their respective countries before the exchange.

- President Biden spoke with Griner by phone after her release, describing the negotiations as "tense.

"

The exclusion of Paul Whelan from the exchange drew criticism and highlighted the difficult choices governments face when negotiating the release of detained citizens.

According to the White House, Russia had refused to discuss including Whelan in the deal.

## Adjustment to Life After Release

Following her return to the United States, Griner expressed surprise at the scale of attention her case received.

In an interview with CNN, she stated:

"I didn't think that the story about me could become so big.

But it's great because now I can reach even more people and attract them to the WNBA, as well as tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and whom we are trying to bring home.

"

Griner has approached her experience as an opportunity to advocate for other Americans detained abroad who may not have access to similar levels of media attention and public support.

She expressed joy at returning to basketball with the Phoenix Mercury, noting that she didn't expect to come back to the court so quickly after her ordeal.

## Conclusion

Brittney Griner's detention and subsequent release through a prisoner exchange exemplify the complex ways in which sports, gender, and international politics intersect in the contemporary world.

As a prominent female athlete, she became an unwitting participant in geopolitical games between nations, highlighting how governments can use celebrities and public figures as pawns in their political strategies.

Her case also raises important questions about the risks American athletes face when competing overseas, particularly in countries with strained relations with the United States.

Moreover, it underscores the challenges governments confront when attempting to secure the release of detained citizens while avoiding creating incentives for future hostage-taking.

Griner's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of athletes in international politics while also demonstrating the power of public attention and diplomatic negotiation in securing the release of individuals caught in geopolitical crossfires.

As she returns to her basketball career and advocacy work, her story continues to illuminate the complex relationship between sports, gender, and international relations in an increasingly interconnected world.

# BRITTNEY GRINER: A BASKETBALL STAR CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

## Introduction

Brittney Griner, a star American basketball player, became an unexpected pawn in geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia when she was detained in February 2022.

Title:

Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

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Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Content: Houston’s mayor on Brittney Griner’s return

With help from Jesse Naranjo, Ella Creamer, Jesús Rodríguez and Teresa Wiltz

What up, Recast family! WNBA star Brittney Griner is home on U.S. soil, Congress passes the Respect For Marriage Act and surprise! Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema announces she’s leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent. First, though, a chat with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

WNBA star Brittney Griner is now safely back in the United States, relieving the collective anxiety of millions of Americans, including the longtime Democratic mayor of Houston.

Sylvester Turner marked the end of Griner’s 10-month detainment in Russia by ordering City Hall illuminated in red, white and blue to mark what he called “United States proud” of what the president and the nation were able to accomplish.

Griner, a Houston native who stands 6 feet, 9 inches tall and is a standout with the Phoenix Mercury and the women’s professional basketball club UMMC Ekaterinburg, was released in a controversial prisoner swap on Thursday.

The Biden administration says it had no choice and that it was a one-or-none deal.

In exchange for her release, President Joe Biden granted clemency for Viktor Bout, whose nickname is the “Merchant of Death.”

Some, including many Republicans, felt the Biden administration gave up too much, arguing the exchange of a pro ball player for a convicted Russian arms dealer was not an even trade, especially if the trade didn’t include Paul Whelan, a former Marine who has been held captive in Russia on allegations of espionage since 2018.

Turner, however, would rather focus on the positives, arguing that the Griner ordeal brought many Americans together for a common goal: bringing her home safely.

We talk about this, plus how history will be made next week when Mayor-elect Karen Bass is sworn into office in Los Angeles. Her ascension marks the first time the nation’s four largest cities, New York, L.A., Chicago and Houston, will all have Black mayors serving simultaneously.

◆◆◆

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

THE RECAST: As mayor you’ve helped lead city officials in keeping Brittney Griner’s plight front of mind for your city. Why was this important for you?

TURNER: She is from the Houston region and played at Baylor [in Waco, Texas, about a three hour commute northwest of Houston]. And I mean, she is a super star in this area.

I do want to give a lot of credit to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) because, I tell you, she was front and center helping to keep Brittney Griner’s name alive and didn’t want anybody to forget. I want to give a lot of credit to President Biden and his whole team.

THE RECAST: I feel like a lot of folks who maybe don't pay too close attention to geopolitics were certainly engaged with this story because of who she is. Not just her celebrity as a basketball star, but because she’s a Black woman, a Black LGBTQ woman. Do you think Griner’s ordeal helped more people of color get familiar, or those who don’t follow global events as closely, to gain a better understanding of international affairs?

Every week, we sit down with diverse and influential characters who are shaking up politics.

Who should we profile next? Let us know. Email us at [email protected].

TURNER: No. 1, she is one of our own from the Houston area. No. 2, she is a Black woman. In this case she’s a member of the LGBTQ community; she has a wife here in the United States.

When you consider all of those dynamics, she represents the diversity of America, and certainly represents the diversity of this city on multiple levels.

Whether it was women, African Americans, people from the LGBT community, people from the sports arena, who are all lifting her up — in this time of global conflict between Russia and Ukraine — that heightened the importance of this moment and wanting to see her released. So when you have all of these dynamics coming together and on one accord, the voices are even louder.

What we did see is that as people were asking for the release of Brittney Griner, people were also asking for the release of Paul Whelan. It’s my hope and prayer that the attention that has been given to her will continue on Paul Whelan.

THE RECAST: Switching gears here. We’re on the precipice of history, having Black mayors lead the nation’s four largest cities. Put this moment in perspective.

TURNER: It is historic on one hand, it’s inspirational on the other. It does reflect just how far this country has come.

[These are] four cities that are really leading the growth of the GDP of this country in terms of being economic drivers — major cities where major things are happening on multiple fronts, and cities that are global in nature. These are cities that attract people from all over the world, businesses from all over the world, development from all over the world, and investments.

And I don't want to minimize all the other African American mayors, because when you look from D.C. to Seattle, from Atlanta, Charlotte, North Carolina, ... all over the map, African Americans are leading major cities and I think when you view us collectively, it is more than a third of the GDP of the United States.

THE RECAST: That’s an interesting point. The history-making element here is not the fact that you are all Black, because none of the big four is the first Black mayor to serve their respective city. It's the fact that you are all serving simultaneously.

I've noticed, too, that all four are leading cities where Latinos are or are close to being the largest minority populations.

TURNER: At first glance, people may say, “OK, these cities must be majority Black, or close to being majority Black.” That is not the case. New York, Chicago, L.A., Houston are highly diverse. We say Houston is the most diverse city in the United States.

About 25 percent of the people in the city come from outside of the United States, 40 percent of the city is Hispanic. We have a growing Asian population. … So you can’t just say, “OK, I'm going to ride the African American vote, and that's gonna get me to victory.” No, we live in pluralistic societies, and in order to be successful you are going to have to build coalitions.

THE RECAST: How do you walk that fine line, though, making sure your policies cater to everyone, but also that you are showing deliverables for Black constituents that supported your candidacy? As you know, sometimes elected officials who are Black find themselves being questioned by Black constituents, sort of like, “What have you done for us?”

TURNER: You are exactly correct.

As the former chair of the African American Mayors Association, I will tell you, we had these conversations all the time. African Americans who have been in their communities that have been overlooked, whether it's been a lack of investment for decades, they want to see things happen very quickly.

They don't give African Americans, you know, a long runway.

Because they place their trust in us. And they believe, “Mayor, you ought to be sensitive, you ought to recognize the fact that we've been overlooked, underserved … so fix it now.”

Now, having said that, there are certain things that run across ethnic and socioeconomic lines.

So the Complete Communities initiative was intended to focus on highly diverse neighborhoods, where resources hadn't flown. So you're meeting the needs of African Americans in a direct way, but you're also meeting the needs of Hispanics and Asians and immigrants and refugees in similar situations, for example, in the southwest part of the city of Houston, what we call the Gulfton area. That’s where there are more than 70 languages being spoken. So you can, in a very intentional way, meet the needs of African Americans without overlooking the needs of others in your city.

THE RECAST: So you're talking about being deliberate in your actions.

TURNER: Well, you have to, because, rightfully or wrongfully, some people — not all — are going to come in thinking: “OK, you just got to be the mayor of Black folk.”

And I tell people, “Life is not fair. OK?” But you have to learn, as my mom would say, to navigate through it. We do have to be intentional. At the same time, it doesn't mean that you run away from Black folk.

As African American mayors, we have to navigate many waters. What I would say to all of the mayors [who are less tenured than me] Karen Bass, Eric Adams, Lori Lightfoot … we’re under more scrutiny, from all different arenas. We have to perform every day. We have to be at our best every day. We have to be very intentional in our representation every day. And that's not fair, OK. But those are the realities.

THE RECAST: You revealed last month your cancer diagnosis but that you are cancer free. Talk to me about why you announced the way you did.

TURNER: My State of the City address was on Nov. 3 and I didn't intend to discuss it, to be honest with you.

But we were talking about resilience. And the city has faced several federally declared disasters over the years. And I was making the point that we bounce back each and every time. And then something hit me and I said to myself, “Sylvester, part of resilience is what you’ve gone through.”

So that's when I decided to talk about it.

[When I got the diagnosis of osteosarcoma], I had to say to myself, “Alright joker, why not you? You may be the mayor, but you’re not immune. You’ve walked other people through storms, now you gotta walk yourself through.”

◆◆◆

OK, fam! Enjoy your Friday. A quick reminder that we are taking your submissions for the 2023 Recast Power List. Let us know who YOU think is shaking up, influencing and disrupting politics as usual. Send us your thoughts here

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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Content: Editor-in-Chief
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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: Peskov said that there are no agreements on the exchange of Bout for two US citizens
But even the implementation of the exchange will not mean the stabilization of US-Russian relations, experts say
Andrey Gordeev / Vedomosti
The authorities of Russia and the United States have not yet reached agreements on the exchange of Russian Viktor Bout, convicted in the United States, for Americans Paul Whelan and Britney Greiner, said the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.
“The first thing we know is that there really were such reports and some statements.
This is the first.
Secondly, we also know that when discussing such topics, such information stuffing is usually not made.
Usually it becomes known about already implemented agreements.
And the third thing we know is that there are no agreements in this area so far, ” Peskov said.
Commenting on the words of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that the United States a few weeks ago made a proposal to Russia for the exchange of prisoners, Peskov said that he had nothing more to add to what was said, because there are no specific agreements.
The day before, CNN reported, citing a source, that the US authorities in June offered Russia to exchange Bout for Whelan and Greiner.
Also, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to discuss this issue in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier today, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the competent authorities of Russia and the United States are negotiating the exchange of prisoners, but they have not yet reached specific agreements.
It is obvious that these signals from the administration of President Joe Biden are not related to US-Russian relations, but to the domestic political situation in the United States, namely with the upcoming midterm elections to Congress in November, says Yuri Rogulev, director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies.
It is significant that active attempts to exchange Whelan for Booth at the time of sentencing were not made two years ago, when the sentence was pronounced - in June 2020.
The possible exchange of Bout for Americans imprisoned in Russia is neither a sign of “stabilization ” of relations between Russia and the United States, nor a political and technological move of the Biden administration, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine“ Russia in Global Politics ”.
According to him, the practice of exchanges is a typical story for the realities of the cold war, a confrontational state, and does not have any effect on changing the dynamics of relations.
Moreover, such exchanges were held earlier, in the 1990s and 2000s, recalls Lukyanov.
Booth was arrested in Thailand at an American request in 2008.
The American court found the Russian guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to sell weapons to the organization “Revolutionary armed forces of Colombia — Army of the people ” (FARC), which the American authorities consider a terrorist.
The sentence of 25 years in prison was handed down in April 2012.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million.
This was the minimum sentence given the charges brought against Bout – a jury in 2011 found him guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and US officials, attempting to buy and sell missiles, and supporting terrorism.
The prosecutor demanded a life sentence for him.
Basketball player Britney Greiner was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of trying to illegally import hash oil to Russia.
She faces five to ten years in prison.
On July 7, Greiner pleaded guilty.
Before her arrest, she played for the UMMC team from Yekaterinburg.
In May, a source told TASS that Buta could be exchanged for Greiner.
Whelan, a former marine, was detained in Moscow in late 2018.
At that time, he worked as the director of security at the company - manufacturer of spare parts for cars BorgWarner, which had contracts, including in Russia.
According to the FSB, the American during his trips to Russia was engaged in espionage in favor of the American special services and tried to recruit employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Defense.
During the arrest, he was found to have a flash drive with secret data.
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
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Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
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Content: Commentary

Press Secretary Touts Griner as 'Inspiration' to LGBT While Downplaying the Abandonment of Marine Veteran

Well, President Joe Biden has traded “the Merchant of Death” to Russia for a basketball player with a checkered past, all while leaving a former Marine to rot in prison.

But don’t worry, because White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has reassured us that it’s entirely worth it because the basketball player also is a hero to the LGBT community.

Yup, this is really where we’re at.

ICYMI, the now-former Russian prisoner is Brittney Griner, a 32-year-old WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist who was arrested in February in Russia on drug charges.

Griner arrived back in the United States — in San Antonio — early Friday after the Biden administration brokered a deal with the Russian government to trade her for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Trending:
Biden Gets Snubbed by Key Democrat Amid Speculation of a Party Switch

Meanwhile, Paul Whelan, a security executive from Michigan who was arrested in 2018 and convicted in 2020 on espionage charges that he and the U.S. say are baseless, remains in prison in Russia. He received a 16-year sentence.

So not only was Griner traded for an incredibly dangerous U.S. prisoner, but the Biden administration got her freed before Whelan despite supposedly trying for his release for much longer.

According to NBC News, the Biden admin was offered either Griner or no one in exchange for Bout. The outlet also said Whelan is being treated differently by the Russians because he was convicted of espionage, which is what Jean-Pierre told reporters when pressed about the trade.

“The choice was bring Brittney home or no one. The president will never stop working to secure Paul Whelan’s release,” she said during a press briefing.

“On a personal note,” she added, “Brittney is an important role model, an inspiration to millions of Americans, particularly the LGBTQI+ Americans and women of color.”

Jean-Pierre indeed is an authority on LGBT women of color, as she is the first openly gay and non-white White House press secretary, something one imagines she holds dear because she’s brought little else to the briefing room since taking over for Jen Psaki in May.

Griner, meanwhile, clearly is Jean-Pierre’s idea of American heroism — the press secretary also described the basketball player, who pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in the United States in 2015 — as representing “the best of America.”

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Watch: Biden Won't Even Look at Reporters While They Try to Ask Him Questions

Whelan’s family members, who NBC reported were warned ahead of time that he would not be released in the one-on-one trade, were clear they did not hold the government’s failure to release their loved one against Griner.

“It is so important to me that it is clear that we do not begrudge Ms. Griner her freedom,” Whelan’s brother, David Whelan, told NBC. “As I have often remarked, Brittney’s and Paul’s cases were never really intertwined. It has always been a strong possibility that one might be freed without the other.”

Whelan himself was incredibly gracious about Griner’s release, emphasizing that it was better that her trade happen than “waiting for one that wasn’t going to happen.”

He is a credit to the military he served in, a military that seems to be consistently disgraced by our current administration.

Whelan’s Russian lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov, also made the  interesting and chivalrous comment that it was “more humane” to release Griner because she is a woman and Olympic champion, while his client has been in the military, so therefore it would be “easier for him to be in custody.”

(Indeed, it reportedly was difficult for the 6-foot-9 Griner in the Russian prison, although her attorneys said this was due to her height.)

Let’s be real — it’s no wonder that Russia offered Griner or no one.

This couldn’t have been more perfectly designed by Russia to make the United States look absurdly weak on the world stage, and you cannot ignore the pressing question as to whether Griner’s release  actually was worth the trade of Bout, the brutal arms dealer.

In the middle of his country’s war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin trades a dangerous arms dealer for a basketball player, and the best Jean-Pierre can say is that Griner is an inspiration to the LGBT community?

Don’t get me wrong — I think it’s likely that Griner was imprisoned on trumped-up political charges, as she foolishly broke Russian law, and I don’t take her imprisonment lightly. I think it is a fine man who will celebrate the release of a female civilian from prison over himself.

Did Biden win the Griner trade?

But I don’t take his imprisonment lightly, either, nor the significance of my nation’s posture as it contrasts with the Russian regime in such a volatile juncture of world history.

Just as Russia’s testosterone-soaked military recruitment ads make a humiliating mess of our own “woke” recruitment strategy, furnishing a seriously bad dude in exchange for a woman whose best contribution to our country is playing basketball professionally and being a lesbian tells you everything you need to know about how Biden is making our country look to the world.

I can’t imagine the disgrace felt by Whelan and thousands of other heroes like him who signed up to protect our country and liberty worldwide but are being left to rot in Russian prisons so the president can increase his woke points.

This is what our country’s leaders now value. Sexual identity trumps not only national pride, but international security.

What a disgrace.

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Isa grew up in San Francisco, where she was briefly a far-left socialist before finding Jesus and her husband in Hawaii. She now homeschools their two boys and freelances in the Ozarks.
Isa grew up in San Francisco, where she was briefly a far-left socialist before finding Jesus and her husband in Hawaii. She now homeschools their two boys and freelances in the Ozarks.

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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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Content: The main goal is Victor Bout.
Who is the Russian “merchant of death ” that Washington offered to exchange for prisoners?
Victor Bout.
Who is the Russian “merchant of death ” that Washington offered to exchange for American prisoners?
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The US magazine “Newsweek ” revealed that the administration of US President Joe Biden offered Russia the release of the Russian arms dealer Victor Bout nicknamed“ Dealer of Death ” in exchange for the release of the star of the US National Women ’ s Basketball Association Britney Greiner and former Marine Paul Whelan who are currently detained in Russia.
Victor Bout, a 55-year-old arms dealer, is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in Illinois.
Bot was convicted of conspiring to murder U.S. citizens and officials and selling millions of dollars in arms to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2011.
Russian pressure to release him
The Kremlin has since pressed for Bot ’ s release, calling his detention in the United States “illegal ” and accusing it of unfairly targeting him for political reasons.
The former Soviet army translator has been an international figure since the collapse of the Soviet Union and has been nicknamed the Dealer of Death because of the breadth of his operations and clients.
Victor Bout arrested in Thailand
In 2008, he was arrested on terrorism-related charges in a sensitive operation in Thailand after years on the run from international arrest warrants and asset freezes. He was extradited by order of then-United States Ambassador to Thailand Eric John, and his extradition was granted by the Thai Supreme Court in 2010.
Butt ’ s trial in Manhattan focused on his role in supplying the FARC with weapons for use against U.S. forces in Colombia, which Butt denied and insisted he was just an “air transport ” man.
Victor Medvedchuck.
Arrest of Putin's close friend who promised to succeed Zelensky (witness)
Smuggling weapons into conflict zones in the 1990s
His relationship with the arms trade dates back to the 1990s, when he was accused of smuggling military weapons into conflict zones from Liberia to Sierra Leone and Afghanistan.
The plan to release Bot would allow the United States to bring back Greiner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February, and Whelan, who was sentenced to 16 years in Russia for espionage in 2020.
The United States has long resisted the prisoner exchange for fear it might encourage hostage-taking, but Biden ’ s support for the deal goes beyond any opposition from the Justice Department.
Who is Britney Greiner?
Greiner, born in 1990 in Houston, Texas, is one of the best female basketball players in the world, and along with her Phoenix Mercury team won the Women ’ s National Basketball Association Championship in 2014.
With the women's national team, she won gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and at the 2020 Games in Tokyo in 2021.
Greiner traveled to Moscow earlier this year to participate in a basketball tournament, and on her return on February 17, Sheremetyevo International Airport staff asked her to open her bags and found cannabis oil in packages for electronic cigarettes.
Her arrest took place just a week before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Her case has received considerable attention in Washington, where the State Department protested her arrest as “illegal. ”
Paul Whelan.
Security Officer Accused of ‘ Espionage ’
Paul Whelan, an American, British and Canadian national from Michigan, was a security official at an American auto parts company when he was stopped at a Moscow hotel in December 2018 for possessing sensitive materials.
He was convicted of espionage in June 2020 and sentenced to 16 years in prison in a trial that U.S. officials described as “unfair. ”
Last year, he said in an interview from prison that he was a victim of “hostage diplomacy, ” and said that“ the kidnapping of an American citizen is unacceptable anywhere in the world. ”
"This is not a case against me, it is a case of Russia against the United States, and the United States should respond to this hostage diplomacy situation and resolve it as soon as possible."
The wife of Viktor Medvedchuk, a friend of Putin, wears a hijab and prays for Mohammed bin Salman (Video)
Salem Hanafi
- Salem Mohammed Hanafi, a Palestinian journalist and member of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
He is interested in political and Arab affairs and supervises the editing of political issues in the Hadhod section of the site "WATAN" has been tweeting out of the flock since 2018. "
He holds a Bachelor of Political Science from the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at Al-Najah University in Nablus, Palestine.
- Master of Political Science from the Faculty of Law and Economic and Political Sciences at the University of Tunis El Manar in the specialization "Political Systems".
Currently, he is enrolled in the doctoral program at the same university to present a thesis entitled: "The Salafist Current and its Impact on the Democratic Decline in the Arab Spring Countries".
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Her arrest on drug charges, subsequent imprisonment, and eventual release through a high-profile prisoner exchange exemplifies the complex intersection of sports, gender issues, and international politics in the contemporary world.

Title:

Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

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Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
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“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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"Dealer of Death" enters the door of Russian politics from the door of prison in the United States!
11-09-2023 | 03: 13
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About nine months ago, Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was released from prison in the United States as part of a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, starting a new political path by running in local elections in Russia ’ s western region of Ulyanovsk.
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A report by the New York Times described how "a weapons smuggler who worked in the most dangerous areas of the world and one of the most wanted men internationally, who bore the title of merchant of death," turned to run in local elections to enter the world of politics.
Bot is running in the Ulyanovsk region of 1.3 million people, 450 miles east of Moscow, in elections that the New York Times described as “aimed at legitimizing President Vladimir Putin ’ s authoritarian rule. ”
Russia ’ s ruling party is likely to win a decisive victory in regional elections on Sunday, which will serve as a litmus test for President Vladimir Putin ’ s re-election next year and an attempt to consolidate the country ’ s grip on four occupied regions of Ukraine.
"Extremist Party"
The man, who has spent nearly 15 years in US prisons, is running for the Russian Liberal Democratic Party, which he joined just four months after returning to Russia.
Butt was released from prison last December as part of a prisoner swap deal under which American basketball star Britney Grainer was released after spending 10 months behind bars in Russia after being arrested in February 2022 and later convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Washington released the famous Russian arms dealer Victor Bout in a prisoner swap with Moscow that freed American basketball player Britney Greiner.
The Russian Liberal Democratic Party describes itself as an opponent, but in fact serves the interests of the Kremlin.
It includes politicians who are more scandalous than they are working on legislation. ”
Since its founding in 1991, the LDP has “promoted a far-right, xenophobic nationalist ideology and urged Russia to invade the former Soviet Union. ”
The party also served as a springboard for a group of controversial figures in Russian politics, including Andrei Lugovi, a former intelligence agent accused by Britain of murdering Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko.
Butt, 56, was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States after he was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and convicted in 2011 on charges including conspiring to kill Americans and supporting a terrorist organization.
A plane carrying basketball star Britney Grainer landed at San Antonio Airport in Texas early Friday.
Bot is accused of "taking advantage of the chaos after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, to buy quantities of weapons at low prices from uncontrolled military bases, before forming his own fleet of cargo planes to deliver his cargo around the world."
According to a previous report by the Washington Post, “The reason Moscow insists on retrieving Bot is the important information he has about the fate of the Soviet Union ’ s weapons caches, as well as information about the weapons depots in Ukraine, where he worked for more than a decade in the transfer of weapons between countries in the region. ”
On the other hand, some in Russia believe that "Washington exaggerates what it ascribes to him, to make him a scarecrow and to distort the image of Moscow," according to AFP.
Douglas Farah, an American journalist who, along with Stephen Brown, published The Dealer of Death in 2008, described Bot as "a Soviet officer who took advantage of the opportunity created by three factors that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union: planes left on the runways between Moscow and Kiev.
"Huge stockpiles of weapons guarded by soldiers who were not paid, and the demand for weapons surged."
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This report examines Griner's ordeal, the political implications of her detention, her experiences in the Russian penal system, the American government's efforts to secure her release, and her adjustment to life after returning home.

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Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

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Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
Through Vito, we provide 24-hour coverage and monitoring of gold prices, meat prices, dollar prices, euro prices, currency rates, sports news, Egypt news, economy news, governorate news, politics news, accident news. Our team follows exclusively all international leagues such as English League, Italian League, Egyptian League, UEFA Champions League, AFC Champions League, AFC Champions League, major events, foreign and domestic policy. Exclusive to art news and many cultural and literary activities.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: WASHINGTON — Over the past eight months, Paul Whelan has watched helplessly as two other Americans detained in Russia, both imprisoned after him, were released in prisoner exchanges while he was left stranded behind the barbed wire of IK-17, a penal colony nearly eight hours from Moscow.

Russia insists that Whelan, 52, is a spy who was caught red-handed, one whose 16-year sentence for espionage is richly deserved. In the Kremlin’s harsh game of human bartering, that makes the asking price for his release higher than it was for basketball star Brittney Griner, who was convicted on drug smuggling charges but freed last week, and for Trevor Reed, who was sentenced for assaulting two Moscow police officers but released in April.

As a result, supporters of Whelan and analysts say, there is no clear path for his release. Two men held by the United States and whose freedom Russian officials have sought for years, arms dealer Viktor Bout and drug-smuggling pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, were released in the deals for Griner and Reed. Russia refused repeated U.S. efforts to include Whelan — who rejects his charges, saying he was set up — in the swap for Bout.

“Unfortunately, Russia has continued to see Paul’s case through the lens of sham espionage charges,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently said, “and they are treating him differently than they treated Brittney Griner.”

On Monday, Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, said U.S. officials would have “an engagement” with Russia about Whelan’s case this week.

Whelan’s sister, Elizabeth, said in an interview that a new approach is necessary. “I’ve had some wild and crazy ideas that I’ve been sharing with the government,” she said. She spoke to Biden last week and to White House officials Monday.

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Some analysts believe that the price for Whelan’s freedom might include relaxing an aspect of U.S. sanctions on Russia, or even the serendipitous capture of a Russian agent somewhere in the world who could then be traded.

Elizabeth Whelan conceded that confusion persisted about whether her brother might be guilty of the espionage that Russian prosecutors say he was committing when he visited Russia in December 2018. While at Moscow’s upscale Metropol hotel, he greeted a Russian acquaintance who handed him a USB stick. Minutes later, he was arrested by Russian agents, who said the device contained a classified list of Russian Federal Security Service agents.

“You have a lot of people out there talking very ignorantly, thinking he’s James Bond or something,” she said.

The suggestion, at least, has been made in some prominent places. “Was he a spy?” Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked on his nightly show last week, even as he angrily denounced Biden’s failure to win Whelan’s release. “We can’t know for sure.” Some members of Congress expressed similar doubts after his arrest, people familiar with his case say.

Whelan is a former Marine, one who took a keen interest in Russia, traveling there often and making friends with people who have police and military backgrounds. He also happens to hold passports from Canada, Ireland and Britain as well as the United States.

But Whelan, his relatives and current and former U.S. officials firmly reject the idea that he maintained a secret identity.

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“He’s definitely not a spy. But he looks like one,” said John Sipher, a former official in the CIA’s clandestine service who ran the agency’s covert operations in Russia.

American intelligence agencies have a strict policy of never confirming, or denying, that any individual worked for the U.S. government as a spy or informant. But Biden administration officials insist that the charges against him are fabricated and have classified him, as they did Griner, as “wrongfully detained,” tantamount to a political prisoner.

And in private, U.S. officials flatly state that Whelan was not an intelligence informant. He is, they said, what he appears to be: a slightly eccentric Russophile who was entrapped by an ambitious intelligence agent he had befriended years before, apparently not realizing the man’s full background.

Whelan was an avid traveler, his family says, who first visited Russia while on leave from an administrative military posting in Iraq. In keeping with his longtime habit of making friends in foreign countries, he got to know several Russians and even had an account on the Russian social media network VK. A police officer in Michigan for more than a decade before he joined the Marines, Whelan was working as head of global security for the Michigan-based auto parts maker BorgWarner at the time of his arrest.

“When he goes to a new country to visit, he stops in at the local police station or whatever,” his sister said, adding that he enjoyed exchanging law enforcement patches with other officers. “So when the Russians say he was asking about the police — of course! That’s Paul.”

As for those passports: Whelan was born in Ottawa, Ontario, to British parents and moved to the United States. The government of Ireland often issues passports to people with Irish heritage.

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Whelan’s family says he was in Moscow to attend the wedding of a fellow Marine to a Russian woman; the family has declined to name the couple on privacy grounds.

Whelan summarized his defense in memorable fashion at one court appearance in Moscow in 2019.

“Russia says it caught James Bond on a spy mission,” Whelan declared in a courtroom statement. “In reality, they abducted Mr. Bean on holiday,” he said, referring to a hapless 1990s British sitcom character.

Russia says it caught James Bond on a spy mission. In reality, they abducted Mr. Bean on holiday.”
— Paul Whelan, in a courtroom statement, referring to a hapless 1990s British sitcom character

Russia’s Kommersant newspaper has reported that Whelan’s phones had been under surveillance for many years and that he was recorded telling friends in the country he was interested in classified information. An actual spy, former officials said, would not have left such an electronic trail, sought out the kinds of friendships with ordinary Russians he valued or engaged in a meeting as risky as the one that led to his arrest.

Experts say Russia is known for planting evidence of espionage. Former journalist Nicholas Daniloff has recounted how, while serving as a Moscow bureau chief in the mid-1980s, a Russian friend handed him maps of Soviet military deployments that he had not requested. Daniloff was promptly arrested and eventually traded for a spy previously imprisoned by the United States.

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And Russia today is far too dangerous for U.S. intelligence operatives to work without the kind of diplomatic cover that ensures that the worst that happens to them is that they are expelled, rather than imprisoned, Sipher said.

Whelan also received a “bad conduct discharge” from the Marines in 2008 for reasons the military said included “attempted larceny” and the use of another person’s Social Security number — which people familiar with intelligence said would have marked him as too unreliable for a sensitive espionage mission. He is unmarried; family members say he is deeply attached to his dog, Flora.

Sipher added that it was conceivable that Whelan had tried to freelance as an undercover agent, perhaps by contacting someone he had served with in the Marines and offering to help, but he assigned “the tiniest of chances” to that scenario.

It continues to puzzle U.S. officials why Russia values Whelan so highly. One White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, said that it was unclear whether the Russians sincerely believed Whelan was a spy, but that the question was immaterial because they are treating him as one.

Whelan was apprehended five months after the arrest in Washington, D.C., of Maria Butina, who was charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent of Russia and accused of having been part of the Kremlin’s 2016 election interference efforts. Some U.S. officials thought Whelan might have been arrested to facilitate an exchange for Butina, or that he might be released when she finished her sentence. Neither happened. Butina was released from prison and deported to Russia in 2019.

A recent Russian demand that the United States secure the release of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian assassin serving a life sentence for murder in Germany, was deemed a non-starter.

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To some of Whelan’s supporters, it feels as though the cards most likely to win his freedom have been played.

“I’m pretty up to speed with Russians in U.S. jails, and I don’t think there are any accused of any espionage-type of crime” that the Kremlin would consider equivalent to trade for Whelan, said his lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, a former national security official with the Justice Department.

“We need to arrest a Russian that matters to” President Vladimir Putin, Sipher said.

As it happens, the Justice Department announced the indictment of five Russian nationals Tuesday on charges of money laundering and procuring electronics and ammunition for Moscow’s war machine despite sanctions. The Justice Department said in a statement that one of them, Vadim Konoshchenok, is a suspected member of the Federal Security Service, or FSB. He was arrested in Estonia, a close U.S. ally, and will be extradited to the United States, the department said. The other four remain at large.

Suspected Russian FSB officer charged in U.S. sanctions case

Neither name has publicly surfaced in connection with Whelan’s case.

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It may be that Whelan could be freed by means other than a prisoner exchange. U.S. officials have ruled out relaxing sanctions imposed on Russia for invading Ukraine. But the United States also enacted many other Russian sanctions in the years before the invasion, and the White House official would not say whether those were off the table.

While Whelan’s family and supporters do not begrudge the freedom of Griner or Reed — whose release became an urgent priority for the White House amid concerns about his health — they find the difficulty in freeing Whelan to be maddening.

“Out of the group, he was the first one arrested,” said Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., who represents Whelan’s district. “And he’s been the longest detained.”

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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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"Dealer of Death" enters the door of Russian politics from the door of prison in the United States!
11-09-2023 | 03: 13
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About nine months ago, Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was released from prison in the United States as part of a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, starting a new political path by running in local elections in Russia ’ s western region of Ulyanovsk.
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A report by the New York Times described how "a weapons smuggler who worked in the most dangerous areas of the world and one of the most wanted men internationally, who bore the title of merchant of death," turned to run in local elections to enter the world of politics.
Bot is running in the Ulyanovsk region of 1.3 million people, 450 miles east of Moscow, in elections that the New York Times described as “aimed at legitimizing President Vladimir Putin ’ s authoritarian rule. ”
Russia ’ s ruling party is likely to win a decisive victory in regional elections on Sunday, which will serve as a litmus test for President Vladimir Putin ’ s re-election next year and an attempt to consolidate the country ’ s grip on four occupied regions of Ukraine.
"Extremist Party"
The man, who has spent nearly 15 years in US prisons, is running for the Russian Liberal Democratic Party, which he joined just four months after returning to Russia.
Butt was released from prison last December as part of a prisoner swap deal under which American basketball star Britney Grainer was released after spending 10 months behind bars in Russia after being arrested in February 2022 and later convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Washington released the famous Russian arms dealer Victor Bout in a prisoner swap with Moscow that freed American basketball player Britney Greiner.
The Russian Liberal Democratic Party describes itself as an opponent, but in fact serves the interests of the Kremlin.
It includes politicians who are more scandalous than they are working on legislation. ”
Since its founding in 1991, the LDP has “promoted a far-right, xenophobic nationalist ideology and urged Russia to invade the former Soviet Union. ”
The party also served as a springboard for a group of controversial figures in Russian politics, including Andrei Lugovi, a former intelligence agent accused by Britain of murdering Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko.
Butt, 56, was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States after he was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and convicted in 2011 on charges including conspiring to kill Americans and supporting a terrorist organization.
A plane carrying basketball star Britney Grainer landed at San Antonio Airport in Texas early Friday.
Bot is accused of "taking advantage of the chaos after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, to buy quantities of weapons at low prices from uncontrolled military bases, before forming his own fleet of cargo planes to deliver his cargo around the world."
According to a previous report by the Washington Post, “The reason Moscow insists on retrieving Bot is the important information he has about the fate of the Soviet Union ’ s weapons caches, as well as information about the weapons depots in Ukraine, where he worked for more than a decade in the transfer of weapons between countries in the region. ”
On the other hand, some in Russia believe that "Washington exaggerates what it ascribes to him, to make him a scarecrow and to distort the image of Moscow," according to AFP.
Douglas Farah, an American journalist who, along with Stephen Brown, published The Dealer of Death in 2008, described Bot as "a Soviet officer who took advantage of the opportunity created by three factors that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union: planes left on the runways between Moscow and Kiev.
"Huge stockpiles of weapons guarded by soldiers who were not paid, and the demand for weapons surged."
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WNBA / Green, imprisoned by Russia, re-signed to Phoenix Mercury after being released
The Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA announced today that Brittney Griner, who was jailed in Russia for nearly 10 months last year, has signed a one-year contract with the team.
Agence France-Presse and Reuters reported that Greiner once again joined Mercury, who had won the title under her leadership in 2014.
Greiner played more than nine seasons in the WNBA before she was imprisoned in Russia last year.
After being released from prison in December, Greiner said she plans to return to the WNBA and play for Mercury again.
“This is a great day for all of us, ” said Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman,“ to announce that Greiner has officially signed a contract to play for Mercury in 2023. ”
“We miss her every day when she ’ s not there. Basketball is not what we care about. Her presence on the court, in our locker room, around our organization and in our community is something we miss. ”
The 32-year-old has helped the U.S. women ’ s basketball team win gold medals at the Tokyo and Rio Olympics and was selected for the WNBA All-Star Game eight times.
She was arrested at an airport outside Moscow on February 17 last year for cannabis oil in an e-cigarette case in her luggage. She was convicted of drug smuggling and handed over to one of Russia ’ s most notorious detention centers.
"We will continue to use the resources of our organization to support her on and off the court, and we are excited to return to her beloved basketball career," Pittman said.
"This is a very special signing and today is a special day for all of us."
Greiner previously played for Mercury in 2021, when she helped the team reach the WNBA Finals and lost to the Chicago Sky.
Mercury ’ s 2023 season opener against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 19, followed by its first game at home on May 21, will pay tribute to Greene ’ s return before facing the Chicago Sky.
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Far-right Congressman Green wants a "national divorce", split the red and blue, and rule it out.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
Materials on the topic
“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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Born in Houston, Texas in 1990, Brittney Griner stands as one of the world's premier women's basketball players.

Title:

Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
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There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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As a center for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), she has achieved remarkable athletic success, including:

- Winning a WNBA championship with Phoenix Mercury in 2014
- Being selected as a WNBA All-Star seven times
- Earning two Olympic gold medals with the U.

Title:

Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
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There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
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Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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women's basketball team (2016 and 2021)

Like many WNBA players, Griner supplemented her income by playing overseas during the American league's off-season, joining the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg—a common practice given the significantly higher salaries offered by international teams.

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Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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## The Arrest and Detention

In February 2022, Russian Federal Customs Service officials detained Griner at Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow.

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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

Title:

Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
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Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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She was found in possession of electronic cigarettes containing cannabis oil in her luggage.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
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There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Russian authorities opened a criminal case for "large-scale drug transportation," an offense carrying a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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The timing of her arrest was particularly significant, occurring just weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and amid escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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At the time of her detention, Griner was the only WNBA player still remaining in Russia or Ukraine, as all others had departed following safety warnings.

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Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Content: ContributorsPublishersAdvertisers

US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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State Department had been actively warning American citizens against traveling to Russia and urging those already there to leave immediately.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
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Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul stated following Griner's arrest, "This should be a wake-up call to all Americans in Russia.

Title:

Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
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Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Content: Peskov said that there are no agreements on the exchange of Bout for two US citizens
But even the implementation of the exchange will not mean the stabilization of US-Russian relations, experts say
Andrey Gordeev / Vedomosti
The authorities of Russia and the United States have not yet reached agreements on the exchange of Russian Viktor Bout, convicted in the United States, for Americans Paul Whelan and Britney Greiner, said the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.
“The first thing we know is that there really were such reports and some statements.
This is the first.
Secondly, we also know that when discussing such topics, such information stuffing is usually not made.
Usually it becomes known about already implemented agreements.
And the third thing we know is that there are no agreements in this area so far, ” Peskov said.
Commenting on the words of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that the United States a few weeks ago made a proposal to Russia for the exchange of prisoners, Peskov said that he had nothing more to add to what was said, because there are no specific agreements.
The day before, CNN reported, citing a source, that the US authorities in June offered Russia to exchange Bout for Whelan and Greiner.
Also, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to discuss this issue in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier today, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the competent authorities of Russia and the United States are negotiating the exchange of prisoners, but they have not yet reached specific agreements.
It is obvious that these signals from the administration of President Joe Biden are not related to US-Russian relations, but to the domestic political situation in the United States, namely with the upcoming midterm elections to Congress in November, says Yuri Rogulev, director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies.
It is significant that active attempts to exchange Whelan for Booth at the time of sentencing were not made two years ago, when the sentence was pronounced - in June 2020.
The possible exchange of Bout for Americans imprisoned in Russia is neither a sign of “stabilization ” of relations between Russia and the United States, nor a political and technological move of the Biden administration, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine“ Russia in Global Politics ”.
According to him, the practice of exchanges is a typical story for the realities of the cold war, a confrontational state, and does not have any effect on changing the dynamics of relations.
Moreover, such exchanges were held earlier, in the 1990s and 2000s, recalls Lukyanov.
Booth was arrested in Thailand at an American request in 2008.
The American court found the Russian guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to sell weapons to the organization “Revolutionary armed forces of Colombia — Army of the people ” (FARC), which the American authorities consider a terrorist.
The sentence of 25 years in prison was handed down in April 2012.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million.
This was the minimum sentence given the charges brought against Bout – a jury in 2011 found him guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and US officials, attempting to buy and sell missiles, and supporting terrorism.
The prosecutor demanded a life sentence for him.
Basketball player Britney Greiner was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of trying to illegally import hash oil to Russia.
She faces five to ten years in prison.
On July 7, Greiner pleaded guilty.
Before her arrest, she played for the UMMC team from Yekaterinburg.
In May, a source told TASS that Buta could be exchanged for Greiner.
Whelan, a former marine, was detained in Moscow in late 2018.
At that time, he worked as the director of security at the company - manufacturer of spare parts for cars BorgWarner, which had contracts, including in Russia.
According to the FSB, the American during his trips to Russia was engaged in espionage in favor of the American special services and tried to recruit employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Defense.
During the arrest, he was found to have a flash drive with secret data.
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
Subscribe to "Vedomosti" in Telegram and be aware of the main news of the economy and business

Stop your business, get out quickly.

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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"

## Legal Proceedings and Incarceration

Russian authorities prosecuted Griner, ultimately convicting her and sentencing her to nine years in prison.

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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: Peskov said that there are no agreements on the exchange of Bout for two US citizens
But even the implementation of the exchange will not mean the stabilization of US-Russian relations, experts say
Andrey Gordeev / Vedomosti
The authorities of Russia and the United States have not yet reached agreements on the exchange of Russian Viktor Bout, convicted in the United States, for Americans Paul Whelan and Britney Greiner, said the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.
“The first thing we know is that there really were such reports and some statements.
This is the first.
Secondly, we also know that when discussing such topics, such information stuffing is usually not made.
Usually it becomes known about already implemented agreements.
And the third thing we know is that there are no agreements in this area so far, ” Peskov said.
Commenting on the words of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that the United States a few weeks ago made a proposal to Russia for the exchange of prisoners, Peskov said that he had nothing more to add to what was said, because there are no specific agreements.
The day before, CNN reported, citing a source, that the US authorities in June offered Russia to exchange Bout for Whelan and Greiner.
Also, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to discuss this issue in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier today, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the competent authorities of Russia and the United States are negotiating the exchange of prisoners, but they have not yet reached specific agreements.
It is obvious that these signals from the administration of President Joe Biden are not related to US-Russian relations, but to the domestic political situation in the United States, namely with the upcoming midterm elections to Congress in November, says Yuri Rogulev, director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies.
It is significant that active attempts to exchange Whelan for Booth at the time of sentencing were not made two years ago, when the sentence was pronounced - in June 2020.
The possible exchange of Bout for Americans imprisoned in Russia is neither a sign of “stabilization ” of relations between Russia and the United States, nor a political and technological move of the Biden administration, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine“ Russia in Global Politics ”.
According to him, the practice of exchanges is a typical story for the realities of the cold war, a confrontational state, and does not have any effect on changing the dynamics of relations.
Moreover, such exchanges were held earlier, in the 1990s and 2000s, recalls Lukyanov.
Booth was arrested in Thailand at an American request in 2008.
The American court found the Russian guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to sell weapons to the organization “Revolutionary armed forces of Colombia — Army of the people ” (FARC), which the American authorities consider a terrorist.
The sentence of 25 years in prison was handed down in April 2012.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million.
This was the minimum sentence given the charges brought against Bout – a jury in 2011 found him guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and US officials, attempting to buy and sell missiles, and supporting terrorism.
The prosecutor demanded a life sentence for him.
Basketball player Britney Greiner was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of trying to illegally import hash oil to Russia.
She faces five to ten years in prison.
On July 7, Greiner pleaded guilty.
Before her arrest, she played for the UMMC team from Yekaterinburg.
In May, a source told TASS that Buta could be exchanged for Greiner.
Whelan, a former marine, was detained in Moscow in late 2018.
At that time, he worked as the director of security at the company - manufacturer of spare parts for cars BorgWarner, which had contracts, including in Russia.
According to the FSB, the American during his trips to Russia was engaged in espionage in favor of the American special services and tried to recruit employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Defense.
During the arrest, he was found to have a flash drive with secret data.
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
Subscribe to "Vedomosti" in Telegram and be aware of the main news of the economy and business

She spent approximately ten months behind bars in the Russian penal system before her release.

Title:

Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

While details about her specific prison conditions are limited in the provided documents, her case highlighted the risks faced by Americans in Russia's justice system, particularly during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Title:

Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

## Political Implications

Griner's detention cannot be separated from the broader political context of U.

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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Content: Editor-in-Chief
Full Essam
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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Title:

Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: Peskov said that there are no agreements on the exchange of Bout for two US citizens
But even the implementation of the exchange will not mean the stabilization of US-Russian relations, experts say
Andrey Gordeev / Vedomosti
The authorities of Russia and the United States have not yet reached agreements on the exchange of Russian Viktor Bout, convicted in the United States, for Americans Paul Whelan and Britney Greiner, said the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.
“The first thing we know is that there really were such reports and some statements.
This is the first.
Secondly, we also know that when discussing such topics, such information stuffing is usually not made.
Usually it becomes known about already implemented agreements.
And the third thing we know is that there are no agreements in this area so far, ” Peskov said.
Commenting on the words of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that the United States a few weeks ago made a proposal to Russia for the exchange of prisoners, Peskov said that he had nothing more to add to what was said, because there are no specific agreements.
The day before, CNN reported, citing a source, that the US authorities in June offered Russia to exchange Bout for Whelan and Greiner.
Also, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to discuss this issue in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier today, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the competent authorities of Russia and the United States are negotiating the exchange of prisoners, but they have not yet reached specific agreements.
It is obvious that these signals from the administration of President Joe Biden are not related to US-Russian relations, but to the domestic political situation in the United States, namely with the upcoming midterm elections to Congress in November, says Yuri Rogulev, director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies.
It is significant that active attempts to exchange Whelan for Booth at the time of sentencing were not made two years ago, when the sentence was pronounced - in June 2020.
The possible exchange of Bout for Americans imprisoned in Russia is neither a sign of “stabilization ” of relations between Russia and the United States, nor a political and technological move of the Biden administration, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine“ Russia in Global Politics ”.
According to him, the practice of exchanges is a typical story for the realities of the cold war, a confrontational state, and does not have any effect on changing the dynamics of relations.
Moreover, such exchanges were held earlier, in the 1990s and 2000s, recalls Lukyanov.
Booth was arrested in Thailand at an American request in 2008.
The American court found the Russian guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to sell weapons to the organization “Revolutionary armed forces of Colombia — Army of the people ” (FARC), which the American authorities consider a terrorist.
The sentence of 25 years in prison was handed down in April 2012.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million.
This was the minimum sentence given the charges brought against Bout – a jury in 2011 found him guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and US officials, attempting to buy and sell missiles, and supporting terrorism.
The prosecutor demanded a life sentence for him.
Basketball player Britney Greiner was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of trying to illegally import hash oil to Russia.
She faces five to ten years in prison.
On July 7, Greiner pleaded guilty.
Before her arrest, she played for the UMMC team from Yekaterinburg.
In May, a source told TASS that Buta could be exchanged for Greiner.
Whelan, a former marine, was detained in Moscow in late 2018.
At that time, he worked as the director of security at the company - manufacturer of spare parts for cars BorgWarner, which had contracts, including in Russia.
According to the FSB, the American during his trips to Russia was engaged in espionage in favor of the American special services and tried to recruit employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Defense.
During the arrest, he was found to have a flash drive with secret data.
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
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Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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**Timing and Geopolitical Tensions**: Her arrest occurred at a volatile moment, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and as Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia.

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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**Hostage Diplomacy**: The case exemplified how governments can use high-profile individuals as bargaining chips in international disputes.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

Griner's status as a celebrated athlete made her an attractive target for Russian authorities seeking leverage in negotiations with the United States.

Title:

Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

Title:

Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: Peskov said that there are no agreements on the exchange of Bout for two US citizens
But even the implementation of the exchange will not mean the stabilization of US-Russian relations, experts say
Andrey Gordeev / Vedomosti
The authorities of Russia and the United States have not yet reached agreements on the exchange of Russian Viktor Bout, convicted in the United States, for Americans Paul Whelan and Britney Greiner, said the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.
“The first thing we know is that there really were such reports and some statements.
This is the first.
Secondly, we also know that when discussing such topics, such information stuffing is usually not made.
Usually it becomes known about already implemented agreements.
And the third thing we know is that there are no agreements in this area so far, ” Peskov said.
Commenting on the words of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that the United States a few weeks ago made a proposal to Russia for the exchange of prisoners, Peskov said that he had nothing more to add to what was said, because there are no specific agreements.
The day before, CNN reported, citing a source, that the US authorities in June offered Russia to exchange Bout for Whelan and Greiner.
Also, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to discuss this issue in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier today, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the competent authorities of Russia and the United States are negotiating the exchange of prisoners, but they have not yet reached specific agreements.
It is obvious that these signals from the administration of President Joe Biden are not related to US-Russian relations, but to the domestic political situation in the United States, namely with the upcoming midterm elections to Congress in November, says Yuri Rogulev, director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies.
It is significant that active attempts to exchange Whelan for Booth at the time of sentencing were not made two years ago, when the sentence was pronounced - in June 2020.
The possible exchange of Bout for Americans imprisoned in Russia is neither a sign of “stabilization ” of relations between Russia and the United States, nor a political and technological move of the Biden administration, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine“ Russia in Global Politics ”.
According to him, the practice of exchanges is a typical story for the realities of the cold war, a confrontational state, and does not have any effect on changing the dynamics of relations.
Moreover, such exchanges were held earlier, in the 1990s and 2000s, recalls Lukyanov.
Booth was arrested in Thailand at an American request in 2008.
The American court found the Russian guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to sell weapons to the organization “Revolutionary armed forces of Colombia — Army of the people ” (FARC), which the American authorities consider a terrorist.
The sentence of 25 years in prison was handed down in April 2012.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million.
This was the minimum sentence given the charges brought against Bout – a jury in 2011 found him guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and US officials, attempting to buy and sell missiles, and supporting terrorism.
The prosecutor demanded a life sentence for him.
Basketball player Britney Greiner was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of trying to illegally import hash oil to Russia.
She faces five to ten years in prison.
On July 7, Greiner pleaded guilty.
Before her arrest, she played for the UMMC team from Yekaterinburg.
In May, a source told TASS that Buta could be exchanged for Greiner.
Whelan, a former marine, was detained in Moscow in late 2018.
At that time, he worked as the director of security at the company - manufacturer of spare parts for cars BorgWarner, which had contracts, including in Russia.
According to the FSB, the American during his trips to Russia was engaged in espionage in favor of the American special services and tried to recruit employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Defense.
During the arrest, he was found to have a flash drive with secret data.
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
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Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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**Diplomatic Challenges**: The Biden administration faced criticism regarding the prisoner exchange that secured Griner's release.

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Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

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Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

Title:

Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
Daria Erozbek
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Former President Donald Trump called the deal "stupid and one-sided" because it did not include Paul Whelan, another American detained in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Title:

Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
Daria Erozbek
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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**Precedent Concerns**: The U.

Title:

Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

S.

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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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government has historically resisted prisoner exchanges, fearing they might encourage hostage-taking.

However, the Biden administration ultimately supported the deal to secure Griner's release.

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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
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Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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## The Prisoner Exchange

In December 2022, after months of negotiations, the United States and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:

- Brittney Griner was released in exchange for Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer known as "The Merchant of Death.

Title:

Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

Title:

Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
Advertisements
TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Title:

Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Content: ContributorsPublishersAdvertisers

US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

Title:

Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
Daria Erozbek
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"
- Bout had been serving a 25-year sentence in the United States after being convicted of weapons trafficking to conflict zones around the world, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan.

Title:

Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Content: Editor-in-Chief
Full Essam
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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
Advertisements
TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
Through Vito, we provide 24-hour coverage and monitoring of gold prices, meat prices, dollar prices, euro prices, currency rates, sports news, Egypt news, economy news, governorate news, politics news, accident news. Our team follows exclusively all international leagues such as English League, Italian League, Egyptian League, UEFA Champions League, AFC Champions League, AFC Champions League, major events, foreign and domestic policy. Exclusive to art news and many cultural and literary activities.
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- Both individuals were pardoned by their respective countries before the exchange.

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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
Cover ©
Commentary
0
Partners news

Title:

Content: Editor-in-Chief
Full Essam
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
Advertisements
TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
Through Vito, we provide 24-hour coverage and monitoring of gold prices, meat prices, dollar prices, euro prices, currency rates, sports news, Egypt news, economy news, governorate news, politics news, accident news. Our team follows exclusively all international leagues such as English League, Italian League, Egyptian League, UEFA Champions League, AFC Champions League, AFC Champions League, major events, foreign and domestic policy. Exclusive to art news and many cultural and literary activities.
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- President Biden spoke with Griner by phone after her release, describing the negotiations as "tense.

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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
Cover ©
Commentary
0
Partners news

Title:

Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
Daria Erozbek
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
Materials on the topic
“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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The exclusion of Paul Whelan from the exchange drew criticism and highlighted the difficult choices governments face when negotiating the release of detained citizens.

Title:

Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

According to the White House, Russia had refused to discuss including Whelan in the deal.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

Title:

Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
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## Adjustment to Life After Release

Following her return to the United States, Griner expressed surprise at the scale of attention her case received.

Title:

Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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In an interview with CNN, she stated:

"I didn't think that the story about me could become so big.

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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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But it's great because now I can reach even more people and attract them to the WNBA, as well as tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and whom we are trying to bring home.

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Content: ContributorsPublishersAdvertisers

US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
Materials on the topic
“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
Comments
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"

Griner has approached her experience as an opportunity to advocate for other Americans detained abroad who may not have access to similar levels of media attention and public support.

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Russia accuses the West of freezing the dialogue on anti-terror under far-fetched pretexts
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Home Vucic made an appeal on the situation on the border of Serbia and Kosovo
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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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"I can't just protest" Chicago bride just got married and rushed back to Ukraine to support the anti-Russian war.
"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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She expressed joy at returning to basketball with the Phoenix Mercury, noting that she didn't expect to come back to the court so quickly after her ordeal.

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
Materials on the topic
“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
Comments
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## Conclusion

Brittney Griner's detention and subsequent release through a prisoner exchange exemplify the complex ways in which sports, gender, and international politics intersect in the contemporary world.

Title:

Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Content: ContributorsPublishersAdvertisers

US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
Russia NBA United States citizens
The last one.
There is little hope that American prisoners will return home.
The next one.
Nearly 6,000 people have applied for asylum from Mexico in two months.
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Content: Peskov said that there are no agreements on the exchange of Bout for two US citizens
But even the implementation of the exchange will not mean the stabilization of US-Russian relations, experts say
Andrey Gordeev / Vedomosti
The authorities of Russia and the United States have not yet reached agreements on the exchange of Russian Viktor Bout, convicted in the United States, for Americans Paul Whelan and Britney Greiner, said the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.
“The first thing we know is that there really were such reports and some statements.
This is the first.
Secondly, we also know that when discussing such topics, such information stuffing is usually not made.
Usually it becomes known about already implemented agreements.
And the third thing we know is that there are no agreements in this area so far, ” Peskov said.
Commenting on the words of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that the United States a few weeks ago made a proposal to Russia for the exchange of prisoners, Peskov said that he had nothing more to add to what was said, because there are no specific agreements.
The day before, CNN reported, citing a source, that the US authorities in June offered Russia to exchange Bout for Whelan and Greiner.
Also, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to discuss this issue in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier today, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the competent authorities of Russia and the United States are negotiating the exchange of prisoners, but they have not yet reached specific agreements.
It is obvious that these signals from the administration of President Joe Biden are not related to US-Russian relations, but to the domestic political situation in the United States, namely with the upcoming midterm elections to Congress in November, says Yuri Rogulev, director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies.
It is significant that active attempts to exchange Whelan for Booth at the time of sentencing were not made two years ago, when the sentence was pronounced - in June 2020.
The possible exchange of Bout for Americans imprisoned in Russia is neither a sign of “stabilization ” of relations between Russia and the United States, nor a political and technological move of the Biden administration, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine“ Russia in Global Politics ”.
According to him, the practice of exchanges is a typical story for the realities of the cold war, a confrontational state, and does not have any effect on changing the dynamics of relations.
Moreover, such exchanges were held earlier, in the 1990s and 2000s, recalls Lukyanov.
Booth was arrested in Thailand at an American request in 2008.
The American court found the Russian guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to sell weapons to the organization “Revolutionary armed forces of Colombia — Army of the people ” (FARC), which the American authorities consider a terrorist.
The sentence of 25 years in prison was handed down in April 2012.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million.
This was the minimum sentence given the charges brought against Bout – a jury in 2011 found him guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and US officials, attempting to buy and sell missiles, and supporting terrorism.
The prosecutor demanded a life sentence for him.
Basketball player Britney Greiner was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of trying to illegally import hash oil to Russia.
She faces five to ten years in prison.
On July 7, Greiner pleaded guilty.
Before her arrest, she played for the UMMC team from Yekaterinburg.
In May, a source told TASS that Buta could be exchanged for Greiner.
Whelan, a former marine, was detained in Moscow in late 2018.
At that time, he worked as the director of security at the company - manufacturer of spare parts for cars BorgWarner, which had contracts, including in Russia.
According to the FSB, the American during his trips to Russia was engaged in espionage in favor of the American special services and tried to recruit employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Defense.
During the arrest, he was found to have a flash drive with secret data.
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
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Content: Trump said about the refusal to change Booth for Whelan during his presidency
American politician and businessman Donald Trump said that during his presidency (2017-2021), he refused to exchange the Russian Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, for the American Paul Whelan, who was convicted in Russia for espionage.
“I have rejected a deal with Russia on one of the possible exchanges, ” Mr. Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social on December 11.
In the message, he identified Victor Booth and Paul Whelan as candidates for the program.
“I would have rescued Paul the same way I have done a record number of times with other hostages, ” the politician wrote.
This topic was previously expressed by former national security adviser John Bolton, who worked under Donald Trump.
He explained that the opportunity to exchange Mr. Booth for Mr. Whelan was, but the exchange was not carried out "for very good reasons" associated with Victor Booth.
Earlier, the 54th President of the United States called “stupid and one-sided ” the exchange of a Russian entrepreneur for American basketball player Brittney Greiner due to the fact that Paul Whelan was not included in it.
He said it was "a stupid and unpatriotic disgrace to the United States."
The exchange of Victor Bout for Brittney Greiner took place on December 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The White House said that Russia did not want to discuss the inclusion of Mr. Whelan in the exchange.
The former Marine was detained in Moscow in 2018.
In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
About the latest exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States, read in the publication “Kommersant ”“ If a friend turned out to be Bout ”.
Daria Erozbek
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"Dealer of Death" enters the door of Russian politics from the door of prison in the United States!
11-09-2023 | 03: 13
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About nine months ago, Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was released from prison in the United States as part of a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, starting a new political path by running in local elections in Russia ’ s western region of Ulyanovsk.
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A report by the New York Times described how "a weapons smuggler who worked in the most dangerous areas of the world and one of the most wanted men internationally, who bore the title of merchant of death," turned to run in local elections to enter the world of politics.
Bot is running in the Ulyanovsk region of 1.3 million people, 450 miles east of Moscow, in elections that the New York Times described as “aimed at legitimizing President Vladimir Putin ’ s authoritarian rule. ”
Russia ’ s ruling party is likely to win a decisive victory in regional elections on Sunday, which will serve as a litmus test for President Vladimir Putin ’ s re-election next year and an attempt to consolidate the country ’ s grip on four occupied regions of Ukraine.
"Extremist Party"
The man, who has spent nearly 15 years in US prisons, is running for the Russian Liberal Democratic Party, which he joined just four months after returning to Russia.
Butt was released from prison last December as part of a prisoner swap deal under which American basketball star Britney Grainer was released after spending 10 months behind bars in Russia after being arrested in February 2022 and later convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Washington released the famous Russian arms dealer Victor Bout in a prisoner swap with Moscow that freed American basketball player Britney Greiner.
The Russian Liberal Democratic Party describes itself as an opponent, but in fact serves the interests of the Kremlin.
It includes politicians who are more scandalous than they are working on legislation. ”
Since its founding in 1991, the LDP has “promoted a far-right, xenophobic nationalist ideology and urged Russia to invade the former Soviet Union. ”
The party also served as a springboard for a group of controversial figures in Russian politics, including Andrei Lugovi, a former intelligence agent accused by Britain of murdering Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko.
Butt, 56, was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States after he was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and convicted in 2011 on charges including conspiring to kill Americans and supporting a terrorist organization.
A plane carrying basketball star Britney Grainer landed at San Antonio Airport in Texas early Friday.
Bot is accused of "taking advantage of the chaos after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, to buy quantities of weapons at low prices from uncontrolled military bases, before forming his own fleet of cargo planes to deliver his cargo around the world."
According to a previous report by the Washington Post, “The reason Moscow insists on retrieving Bot is the important information he has about the fate of the Soviet Union ’ s weapons caches, as well as information about the weapons depots in Ukraine, where he worked for more than a decade in the transfer of weapons between countries in the region. ”
On the other hand, some in Russia believe that "Washington exaggerates what it ascribes to him, to make him a scarecrow and to distort the image of Moscow," according to AFP.
Douglas Farah, an American journalist who, along with Stephen Brown, published The Dealer of Death in 2008, described Bot as "a Soviet officer who took advantage of the opportunity created by three factors that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union: planes left on the runways between Moscow and Kiev.
"Huge stockpiles of weapons guarded by soldiers who were not paid, and the demand for weapons surged."
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As a prominent female athlete, she became an unwitting participant in geopolitical games between nations, highlighting how governments can use celebrities and public figures as pawns in their political strategies.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

Her case also raises important questions about the risks American athletes face when competing overseas, particularly in countries with strained relations with the United States.

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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

Moreover, it underscores the challenges governments confront when attempting to secure the release of detained citizens while avoiding creating incentives for future hostage-taking.

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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Griner's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of athletes in international politics while also demonstrating the power of public attention and diplomatic negotiation in securing the release of individuals caught in geopolitical crossfires.

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Content: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was on The Shop‘s TNF broadcast as the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The four-time NBA champ took an opportunity early in the game to share his thoughts on news pertaining to Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison facility after nearly 300 days in incarceration.

LeBron gave a heartfelt message as he discussed how significant this development is not only for the sports world but for the entire nation as well:

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron said. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Her club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav (Carter) said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

LeBron also touched on the fact that another American, Paul Whelan, was not included in the prisoner swap that was negotiated between the U.S. government and the Kremlin. It was only Griner’s release that was facilitated in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who also happens to go by the moniker “The Merchant of Death.”

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A video of Griner being escorted out of prison onto a van that took her to a Russian airport is currently makings its rounds on social media. The Phoenix Mercury star even spoke to the press while sitting inside a plane moments before takeoff. Griner was relieved to hear that she was finally headed back to the U.S.

LeBron James also thanked President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as everyone and anyone who was involved in facilitating Brittney Griner’s release. As the Lakers superstar said, it’s a great day now that Brittney is finally heading home.

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Content: Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich.
US ambassador visits jailed US journalist in Russia
The US ambassador to Russia on Monday visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich for the third time and reported he was in good health.
The meeting between Ambassador Lynn Tracy and Gershkovich took place in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison, just over a month after her last visit.
A State Department spokesman said: "Ambassador Tracy has said that Ivan still looks healthy and remains strong, despite the circumstances he is going through.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Ivan Gershkovich and to release the arbitrarily detained American citizen Paul Whelan."
Gershkovich, who previously worked for AFP, was arrested on March 29 during a press mission in the Urals.
He is the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on espionage charges since the Soviet era, amid a sharp deterioration in relations over the Ukraine war.
The latest visit seems to signal a return to more normal consular services, after visits stopped between April and July.
Russia indicated at the time that the suspension of visits was in response to the US failure to issue visas to a Russian state media outlet seeking to visit New York during the departure of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the United Nations headquarters.
Whelan, who the United States says is being held arbitrarily by Moscow, is a former U.S. Marine who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
The United States has significantly reduced high-level contacts with Russia since the start of Russian military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, but has made contacts to arrange a prisoner exchange.
In December, Russia released basketball star Britney Grainer, who was convicted of drug possession, in exchange for the release of Victor Bout, who is jailed in the United States for weapons smuggling.
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Trump called the exchange of prisoners of the United States and Russia “not the best deal ”
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Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the proposed exchange of prisoners with Russia is “not a very good deal. ”
His words about the possible exchange of Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball player Brittney Greiner on July 30 leads Fox News.
“She knew she didn ’ t have to go there drugged, and she admitted it.
I guess she admitted it without much pressure, as it was obvious, so it certainly doesn ’ t look like a very good deal, does it? ” he said.
Trump noted that Russia is very vigilant about narcotic substances and “do not like drugs ”, and Greiner, as if on purpose, went there with banned substances.
"And she was caught.
And now we have to get her out -- and she's, you know, making a lot of money, I think.
We must bring it to clean water, ” the politician added.
On July 27, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden approved a deal to exchange Russian citizens held in American prisons for American citizens convicted in Russia.
According to the channel, businessman Victor Bout should be exchanged for basketball player Brittney Greiner and convicted of espionage Paul Whelan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this week that while the Kremlin and U.S. officials are negotiating, "there is no concrete outcome yet."
She clarified that the parties proceed from the fact that the interests of both parties should be taken into account during the negotiations.
American basketball player Brittney Greiner was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022.
In her hand luggage found vapes with cannabis oil.
In relation to Greiner, a criminal case was opened under the article on smuggling of narcotic drugs in a significant amount.
On July 7, the prosecutor ’ s office presented evidence in the case of the athlete, who fully admitted her guilt.
Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow in late December 2018.
A criminal case was opened against him under the article on espionage (Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
In mid-June 2020, the Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a strict regime colony.
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Content: Booth says he supports Russia ’ s special operation in Ukraine
Viktor Bout, who this week returned to Russia from the United States, where he was serving a sentence on charges of illegal arms trafficking and supporting terrorism, said his support for the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the TV channel Russia Today.
Commenting on the special operation announced in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bout said that he did not understand why this was not done earlier.
He mentioned how in 2014 Kharkiv residents, in particular, carried the Russian tricolor.
“Obviously, there were no conditions, we were not ready.
I fully support [the special operation], if I had the opportunity and the skills necessary, I would, of course, volunteer, ” said Booth.
On December 8, Victor Bout was exchanged at Abu Dhabi airport for basketball player Brittney Greiner, who was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo airport, after cartridges with hashish oil were found in her hand luggage.
Before the exchange, Greiner and Booth were pardoned, they will not have to serve their sentences on the territory of their countries.
After returning to Russia, the Russian expressed gratitude to the American side for the noble and respectful attitude during the exchange.
According to his wife Alla, Booth is now feeling terribly and severely exhausted, since he had not slept for three days.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of Washington and charged with arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Bout was imprisoned in Thailand for two and a half years before being extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012.
The Russian categorically did not admit his guilt.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov stressed that the exchange of Bout is not a sign of improving relations between Russia and the United States.
These relations continue to remain in a sad state, he stressed, adding that the preparation of the exchange was carried out by the special services of Russia and the United States.
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December 10, 13: 52
Booth spoke about the most difficult experience that he had to endure in prison in the United States
Booth called the lack of communication with loved ones the most difficult test in an American prison
Russian Viktor Bout, released from an American prison, told State Duma deputy Maria Butina that the lack of opportunity to communicate with family and friends for him was the most difficult test behind bars.
He is quoted by RT.
Booth spoke about the most difficult trial in an American prison.
Video © Telegram / RT in English
“The most difficult thing was the lack of the opportunity to communicate with loved ones and loved ones for a long time.
When lawyers came there, they had their own kind of problems, that's precisely the lack of communication with relatives, friends <... > it was the hardest thing that could happen, "Bout said in a conversation with the parliamentarian.
In prison, the Russian was allowed only once a month to call with loved ones.
Booth also recalled that for about three years he was in solitary confinement.
He spent 23 years behind bars.
Recall, on December 8, American basketball player Brittney Greiner, convicted in Russia for possession of drugs, was exchanged for the Russian Viktor Bout.
US President Joe Biden spoke with the American on the phone, after which he said that she was returning home, and the negotiations with the Russian side called tense.
It also became known that both exchanged pardons before release.
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Content: The complaint to the UN against the Russian government was filed by an American student Trevor Reed, who was released from prison in exchange for the Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
This was announced on June 13 by the representative of Reed Jonathan Franks in his Twitter.
USA
“Texas Marine Trevor Reid has sent a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to begin the process of holding the Russian government accountable for his wrongful detention, ” Franks wrote on his page.
In addition, the representative of Reed pointed out that the petition stipulates the recovery of compensation from the Russian government.
Also in the text of the document it is noted that the arrest of Reed was an attempt to exert pressure on the US authorities with a view to the release of Russian citizens detained in US prisons.
Earlier, REGNUM reported that Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States, could be exchanged for Brittney Greiner, an American basketball player detained in Moscow.
Previous articleConvicted in the United States Booth can be exchanged for basketball player Greiner

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Washington has refused to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
US authorities declined to comment on the arrest of an American businessman in Russia.
Russian news agencies announced on Thursday that a Moscow court had decided to detain US citizen of Russian origin Jane Spector on espionage charges.
He's serving a 3.5 year sentence.
Spector, a businessman, is already serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 for his role in bribing Arkady Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister.
Spector was born in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, then moved to the United States.
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TASS said he was the chairman of the Medpolymerprom group, which specializes in cancer drugs, before his arrest in 2021.
Trial behind closed doors
However, the agencies did not give details of the new charges, noting that the court hearing was held behind closed doors after the material on the case was classified as confidential.
White House spokesman John Kirby, speaking on CNN, said the administration was still gathering information on the case and had no comment yet, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arrest of an American journalist
In March, Russia arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, accusing him of spying.
Ivan Gershkovich, an expert reporter on Russia, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply concerned" for his safety and strongly denied the charges.
The Kremlin, in turn, claimed that the reporter was arrested “in the act. ”
"illegal activities"
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service said it had “stopped illegal activities ” and that the reporter was“ acting on U.S. directives ” and “collecting state secrets. ”
Hours later, the security service took him to the Levertovo District Court in Moscow for official arrest.
He was later seen driving outside the building before being taken away by car.
The court decided to detain him until 29 May.
The lawyer was prevented from attending.
According to his lawyer, he was not allowed into the courtroom.
TASS news agency reported that the journalist denied the charges against him.
The court had earlier evacuated staff and visitors due to a bomb threat, Russia's official RIA news agency reported.
20 years in prison.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In recent years, the detention of American citizens in Russia has increased in light of relations between Moscow and Washington, especially after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting Washington to accuse Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans for using them as bargaining chips and recovering Russians held in the United States.
Exchange of prisoners
In December, the two countries exchanged prisoners, during which American basketball star Britney Greiner, who had been imprisoned in Russia, was released in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, who had been imprisoned in the United States.
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Content: Mercury post first video of Brittney Griner in uniform after re-signing WNBA star

Griner last played for Phoenix during the 2021 season

Brittney Griner is back in a Phoenix Mercury uniform over two months after returning from incarceration in Russia.

Griner officially re-signed with the only WNBA team she’s ever known this week, reportedly on a one-year deal with Phoenix worth $165,100.

American professional basketball player Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

On Friday, the franchise posted a video of Griner in a Mercury uniform for the first time since her signing.

FORMER WNBA MVP NNEKA OGWUMIKE RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES SPARKS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL: REPORT

Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody after authorities allegedly discovered that she had vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, will return for her 10th WNBA season.

The WNBA champion was arrested in February 2022 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and was later classified as "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. State Department.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.  (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko.)

After months of strained negotiations, Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in early December in a prisoner exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

On Thursday, Griner participated in a workout at the team facility when Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton emerged to watch.

"It’s unreal," Ayton said, according to the Arizona Republic. "Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. You can tell her mind is free."

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Griner, who was a free agent, re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, because no announcement has been made.  (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Griner was drafted by Phoenix with the top pick of the 2013 draft, helping the Mercury win the WNBA championship in 2014.

Phoenix opens the 2023 season on May 19th against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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US marks 4 years of Paul Whelan’s Russian imprisonment, vows to bring him home

New York Post
 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The White House insisted Wednesday the US has not given up the fight to bring former Marine Paul Whelan home from Russian custody as the Biden administration marked the fourth anniversary of his detention on trumped-up spying charges.

“Today marks four years of wrongful detention in Russia for American Paul Whelan and, as the President and I have told the Whelan family, we will not stop, we will not relent, we will not cease until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Whelan, 52, was sentenced to 16 years of hard labor in 2020 after a Russian court found him guilty of espionage — a claim both Whelan and the US government continue to deny. Whelan had traveled to Russia for a wedding when he was “wrongfully detained,” according to the White House.

Earlier this month, the US secured WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release in a prisoner exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s release came almost 10 months after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport.

The US had attempted to bring Whelan home with Griner, but the White House said Russia insisted on a one-for-one swap, giving Washington “a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none,” as one official put it.

After the deal was announced, Whelan’s family issued a statement that supported Griner’s release, while noting the decision was a “ public disappointment for us and a catastrophe for Paul.”

Sullivan on Wednesday accused Russia of using Whelan as a pawn to secure concessions — such as the release of other Russian prisoners . The White House said last week that “there are active conversations” with the Kremlin about securing the Michigan corporate security executive’s freedom.

“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” Sullivan said.

Whelan’s brother David said in a statement that the anniversary brought heartbreak and concern for the family, the Washington Examiner reported Wednesday.

“Milestones are always hard,” David Whelan said. “Four birthdays, four Christmases, and now the 4th anniversary of Paul’s wrongful detention. I think we share the same concern as every family in this situation, which is that, with each passing year, it will become harder to bring Paul home.”

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"Hi Ukraine B & B I want to book" Americans are paying but not staying
WNBA Star Arrested at Greenpoint Airport With Cannabis E-Cigarette
Brittney Griner, an American women's basketball player, WNBA star and center for the Phoenix Mercury women's basketball team, was detained in Moscow on drug charges.
Greiner, 31, has been caught up in a dangerous standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
A statement by the Russian Customs Service on Friday did not release the name of the player, saying only that the player had won two Olympic gold medals with the United States team; it said that officials detained her after discovering that her luggage had e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil in it at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow.
Russia ’ s Tass news agency reported that the detained player was Glinna.
She has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team seven times, winning Olympic gold with the U.S. women ’ s basketball team in 2021 and 2016.
A video released by the Russian Customs Service shows a suspected passenger passing through security at the airport and someone removing a package from her luggage.
A statement from the Russian Customs Administration said the airport screening incident occurred in February, which means that Greiner may have been detained for at least a few days. The statement also said that Russia has established a case involving the mass transportation of drugs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“We are aware of Greiner ’ s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her and her legal representatives in Russia, her family, the team, the WNBA and the NBA. ”
The State Department, which has been warning people not to travel to Russia for weeks, updated its travel advice on Friday, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia and urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "the possibility that Russian government security officials may harass U.S. citizens" and "the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to assist U.S. citizens in Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not aware of the detention, but that "the arrest of Greiner should be a wake-up call for all Americans in Russia."
Stop your business and get out of here. "
A State Department spokesman said the United States is aware of reports of Greiner ’ s arrest and provides consular services to Americans arrested overseas. “The WNBA fully supports Greiner and our priority is to get her back home safely and quickly. ”
Many WNBA players played in better-paid Russia during the offseason; Greiner played for Russia ’ s UMMC Ekaterinburg team for many years. A WNBA spokesman said on the 5th that all WNBA players have left Russia and Ukraine, except for Greiner.
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Content: Peskov said that there are no agreements on the exchange of Bout for two US citizens
But even the implementation of the exchange will not mean the stabilization of US-Russian relations, experts say
Andrey Gordeev / Vedomosti
The authorities of Russia and the United States have not yet reached agreements on the exchange of Russian Viktor Bout, convicted in the United States, for Americans Paul Whelan and Britney Greiner, said the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.
“The first thing we know is that there really were such reports and some statements.
This is the first.
Secondly, we also know that when discussing such topics, such information stuffing is usually not made.
Usually it becomes known about already implemented agreements.
And the third thing we know is that there are no agreements in this area so far, ” Peskov said.
Commenting on the words of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that the United States a few weeks ago made a proposal to Russia for the exchange of prisoners, Peskov said that he had nothing more to add to what was said, because there are no specific agreements.
The day before, CNN reported, citing a source, that the US authorities in June offered Russia to exchange Bout for Whelan and Greiner.
Also, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to discuss this issue in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier today, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the competent authorities of Russia and the United States are negotiating the exchange of prisoners, but they have not yet reached specific agreements.
It is obvious that these signals from the administration of President Joe Biden are not related to US-Russian relations, but to the domestic political situation in the United States, namely with the upcoming midterm elections to Congress in November, says Yuri Rogulev, director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies.
It is significant that active attempts to exchange Whelan for Booth at the time of sentencing were not made two years ago, when the sentence was pronounced - in June 2020.
The possible exchange of Bout for Americans imprisoned in Russia is neither a sign of “stabilization ” of relations between Russia and the United States, nor a political and technological move of the Biden administration, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine“ Russia in Global Politics ”.
According to him, the practice of exchanges is a typical story for the realities of the cold war, a confrontational state, and does not have any effect on changing the dynamics of relations.
Moreover, such exchanges were held earlier, in the 1990s and 2000s, recalls Lukyanov.
Booth was arrested in Thailand at an American request in 2008.
The American court found the Russian guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to sell weapons to the organization “Revolutionary armed forces of Colombia — Army of the people ” (FARC), which the American authorities consider a terrorist.
The sentence of 25 years in prison was handed down in April 2012.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million.
This was the minimum sentence given the charges brought against Bout – a jury in 2011 found him guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and US officials, attempting to buy and sell missiles, and supporting terrorism.
The prosecutor demanded a life sentence for him.
Basketball player Britney Greiner was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of trying to illegally import hash oil to Russia.
She faces five to ten years in prison.
On July 7, Greiner pleaded guilty.
Before her arrest, she played for the UMMC team from Yekaterinburg.
In May, a source told TASS that Buta could be exchanged for Greiner.
Whelan, a former marine, was detained in Moscow in late 2018.
At that time, he worked as the director of security at the company - manufacturer of spare parts for cars BorgWarner, which had contracts, including in Russia.
According to the FSB, the American during his trips to Russia was engaged in espionage in favor of the American special services and tried to recruit employees of the FSB and the Ministry of Defense.
During the arrest, he was found to have a flash drive with secret data.
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020.
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Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
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“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
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As she returns to her basketball career and advocacy work, her story continues to illuminate the complex relationship between sports, gender, and international relations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Title:

Content: Greiner: I didn ’ t think that the story with me would become so big
Comments
The famous American basketball player Brittney Greiner told about her feelings from returning home after imprisonment in Russia.
“I didn ’ t think that the story with me could become so big.
But that ’ s great, because now I can reach more people and bring them to the WNBA, and also tell them about other prisoners who are still in another country and who we ’ re trying to bring home.
So I ’ m just taking this great opportunity to continue to support those who need it and don ’ t have the attention or media coverage they should receive.
It ’ s a great feeling to wear a Phoenix jersey again.
Just being on the set, feeling it all.
I didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly, I was ready for a long journey, but it ’ s so nice to be here, to be in the media again, to wear this jersey. ”
Materials on the topic
“I didn ’ t deserve it! ”
Greiner had to shut up after returning to the United States
Comments
Affiliate content