Biden meets families of Americans detained in Russia

John Kirby and Karen Jean-Pierre at a White House press conference.

EPA

US President Joe Biden assured the families of the two Americans detained in Russia, basketball player Britney Greiner and former soldier Paul Whelan, that he continues to explore all possible avenues to return them to their country, the White House said in a statement.

Biden had separate meetings with Elizabeth Whelan, sister of Paul Whelan, and Sheryl Greiner, wife of Britney Greiner.

"The President is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Britney and Paul," White House spokeswoman Karen Jean-Pierre said in a statement, while White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed that "discussions are continuing." Biden will not give up.

This issue is at the forefront of his thoughts and the ideas of his team.”

For her part, Sheryl Greiner thanked Biden for his administration's efforts to secure Britney Greiner's release, and said in a statement, "I have felt every minute during these stressful seven months without her."

Russia had recently announced that it was ready to discuss a prisoner exchange, in exchange for the release of the sportswoman.

Kirby confirmed that Washington made a serious offer to Moscow, but the Russians did not respond.

"These two people should be at home," he added.

And a point on the line.

A Russian court sentenced the basketball player to nine years in prison for cannabis smuggling.

Her case has taken on a geopolitical dimension in the context of the crisis between Moscow and Washington, linked to the Russian war in Ukraine.

This diplomatic stand-off has again put the spotlight on the case of Whelan, who is serving a 16-year prison sentence in Russia for "espionage."

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