On Friday, Russia released a statement saying in part that there has been some progress between them and the United States regarding prisoner transfers, including the potential release of WNBA star Brittney Griner. However, the U.S. State Department had a difference of opinion regarding their message.
According to ESPN, Russian deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, was quoted in the Russian media early in the day saying there was new “activity” in talks that could see convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is currently serving 25 years in a U.S. prison, returned to Russia in exchange for Griner.
Also: "We haven't found uncommon ground yet, but, undoubtedly, Viktor Bout is among those being discussed and obviously we are hoping for a positive result."
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) November 18, 2022
Ryabkov supposedly said that “The Americans are showing certain activity and we are working on this through appropriate channels.”
However, the State Department refuted that statement regarding how they’ve handled things so far.
“We are not going to comment on the specifics of any proposals other than to say that we have made a substantial offer that the Russian Federation has consistently failed to negotiate in good faith,” the statement said. “The U.S. Government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russian government. The Russian government’s failure to seriously negotiate on these issues in the established channel or any other channel for that matter runs counter to its public statements.”
Griner’s family still remains optimistic about the Biden Administration being able to get her home, but they also realize this is a long process that won’t be resolved right away.
Griner was recently sent to a Russian prison camp where the conditions are said to be harsh. She has yet to have any contact with friends or family members.
{TJ Quinn}
