Richardson visits Moscow as Griner, Whelan remain jailed
Associated PressWASHINGTON — Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage negotiations who has worked to secure the releases of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, visited Moscow this week and held meetings with Russian leaders, a person familiar with the matter said Tuesday night. The visit came as American officials have continued to press Russia to release Griner, who was sentenced last month to nine years in prison in a drug possession case, and Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive serving a 16-year sentence on espionage-related charges. Though he did not detail the terms, a person familiar the matter said the U.S. had offered to release convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. In cases like this, Richardson said at the time, “it’s proportional — two-for two.” The person who confirmed Richardson’s visit insisted on anonymity to discuss private negotiations.
History of this topic
Griner’s release raises fresh concerns about fate of Paul Whelan
Al Jazeera
Russia signals openness to prisoner swap with US
Al Jazeera
Russia is NOT willing to engage Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan prisoner swap, says security adviser,
Daily Mail
Ex-US official visits Russia to push for Americans’ release
Al Jazeera
Veteran emissary Richardson hopeful for Griner, Whelan swap
Associated Press
Blinken, Russian top diplomat speak about Griner, Whelan
Associated Press
In rare contact, U.S. offers Russia prisoner swap deal for Griner, Whelan
The HinduDiscover Related