U.S. Calls On Russia To ‘Negotiate In Good Faith’ On Releasing Its Wrongfully Detained Citizens

The Biden Administration on Tuesday called on Russia to “negotiate in good faith” as it works for the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and the former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

Speaking to reporters, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary referenced an offer the administration made in August to the Russian government, adding that they are 'still working' behind the scenes through diplomatic channels to broker the immediate release of Griner and others wrongfully detained abroad.

Earlier on Tuesday, a Russian court upheld Griner’s nine-year prison sentence, a decision that will send the U.S. athlete to a penal colony.

Asked by TURAN's correspondent whether the "quiet diplomacy" was working in this case, the State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said "quiet conversations have been ongoing" and that he would hesitate to call this diplomacy, because "ultimately this is about wrongful detainees."

"We’ve had those quiet conversations for some time, even before Secretary Blinken made public the offer of a substantial proposal that we had put on the table."

Whether Tuesday’s denial of the appeal of Brittney Griner changes the Russian posture, Price couldn’t say.

"Of course it is our hope that this will unlock the next step in the process, but ultimately this is going to have to be a decision that the Russians make. We have made very clear the decision and the choices we are prepared to make," he added.

In his turn, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan issued a statement Tuesday afternoon noting that "President Joe Biden has been very clear that Brittney should be released immediately."

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.