The fates of both Americans have been complicated by the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between the United States and Russia over President Vladimir V. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Tag: Bout, Viktor
U.S. and Russia Ready to Negotiate Griner’s Release
The countries’ top envoys made separate announcements after a meeting where they sat close together — without talking.
Brittney Griner’s Sentence Renews Pressure on President Biden
The basketball star’s supporters are pressing for action. But critics of any possible deal are already fuming.
Russian Court Sentences Griner to 9 Years in a Penal Colony
Amid the hostility over the war in Ukraine, a court imposed nearly the maximum possible sentence on the American basketball star Brittney Griner, intensifying calls to win her release.
Who Is Viktor Bout, Russian Arms Dealer Who Could Be Involved in Griner Trade?
The United States has proposed exchanging Brittney Griner and another American jailed in Russia for Mr. Bout, who was convicted in 2011 on charges including conspiring to kill American citizens.
Blinken and Lavrov Discuss Griner in Their First Call of the War
Ukraine said it was ready for Black Sea grain shipments to resume, while the top Russian and American diplomats talked about a prisoner swap involving the basketball star Brittney Griner.
Lavrov To Propose a Time to Discuss Possible Prisoner Swap for Brittney Griner
Sergey Lavrov said he would listen to what U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had to say about a proposal for the release of Brittney Griner and another American.
Why the U.S. Offered to Swap Griner for Bout, a Russian Arms Dealer
The negotiations raise questions about what, if any, standards should apply when the United States agrees to trade prisoners.
Your Friday Briefing: Biden and Xi’s Fraught Phone Call
Also, U.S. G.D.P. declined again and an Australian law against foreign meddling will be tested.
Viktor Bout Could Be Swapped for Brittney Griner. Who Is He?
Viktor Bout has been accused of supplying arms to Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and rebels in Rwanda. His exploits helped inspire a 2005 film, “Lord of War,” that starred Nicolas Cage.