The vape cartridges threw the Texan athlete into the geopolitical maelstrom triggered when Russian President Vladimir Putin despatched troops into Ukraine on February 24.
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Throughout essentially the most strained US-Russian relations for the reason that 1962 Cuban missile disaster, US President Joe Biden is beneath strain to intervene on behalf of People held in Russia.
Biden known as on Russia to launch Griner instantly and stated his administration would proceed to work for her launch.
“In the present day, American citizen Brittney Griner obtained a jail sentence that’s another reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,” Biden stated in an announcement.
“It’s unacceptable, and I name on Russia to launch her instantly so she could be together with her spouse, family members, associates and teammates.”
America had already provided to trade Russian prisoners for the NBA star and different Americans, together with former marine Paul Whelan.
One supply acquainted with the scenario stated that Washington was prepared to trade convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, whose life helped encourage the 2005 Hollywood movie Lord of Struggle starring Nicolas Cage.
Russian officers have stated a deal has not been reached. They argue that Griner, generally known as “BG” to basketball followers, violated legal guidelines and ought to be judged accordingly.
Reuters, AP
