The United States government on Thursday completed a prisoner exchange with Russia after months of negotiations that resulted in the release of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for American women’s basketball athlete Brittney Griner.
The professional athlete was arrested in Russia in February 2022 after airport officials discovered cannabis oil in her vape cartridges.
Meanwhile, Bout is known as the ‘Merchant of Death’ and many critics say he is still a very dangerous man and was too great a prize to give Russia.
Additionally, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan has been left behind by the Biden administration for a second time. Initially, the Biden administration was working to release both Griner and Whelan for the Bout who has served 11 years of a 25-year conviction.
But, the Kremlin ultimately handed the U.S. the choice of only Griner’s return or no deal at all.
In Russian custody for nearly four years, Whelan was convicted on charges of espionage and spying for the U.S. government. The 52-year-old was sentenced to 16 years in prison and remains imprisoned at a labor camp.
Both Whelan and the U.S. deny the charges.
U.S. President Joe Biden was asked about why Whelan was left behind. He said, “
Whelan’s brother told media outlets he is hopeful the Biden administration will also secure the release of his brother soon.
