It’s almost been a year since Brittney Griner first got detained in Russia. The WNBA star recently had her appeal denied by a Russian court, after challenging her nine-year prison sentence. However, things escalated when news about her transfer to a penal colony made headlines. Likewise, the pressure on the United State of America is piling up. President Joe Biden and US officials have come under fire for not making a move to bring the 32-year-old back home. However, their recent claims might be an arrow for her supporters.

Biden has reportedly followed Griner’s case actively since it began. Notably, Biden was the first person to take a stand against her sentencing in Russia, calling it “unfair”. Since then, he has made it his priority to make sure the WNBA All-Star returns back soon. He even met with Griner’s family to solidify his intentions. However, as far as results go, there arguably hasn’t been much movement yet.

Now, Brittney Griner has been transferred to a Russian penal colony, allegedly known to be one of the most gruesome prison systems. These dark times have given rise to fear among her supporters. Moreover, they have naturally questioned the efforts taken by the US government thus far. However, officials recently revealed that they did everything from their end.

Is Russia not ready to let Brittney Griner go?

Early into Griner’s detention, there were rumors about Biden devising a potential prisoner swap. Along with Griner, a former US marine, Paul. N. Whelan, who is also currently incarcerated in Russia was to be part of the deal. Likewise, the offer on the table was simple. The United States of America offers Russia Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer in exchange for its two citizens.

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According to a Russian diplomat, Bout held the key to Brittney Griner’s release. However, that might be false as claimed by US officials. In a statement made about their efforts, they said, “The Russian Federation has consistently failed to negotiate in good faith.? ?

Not all facts are clear to the public, however. Hence, it’s difficult to point fingers at either of the parties. Unfortunately, what seems clear is that Griner’s release is far from close at this time. The WNBA star has had a hard journey battling the distance from her friends and family for over 300 days now. Her only hope arguably lies in the efforts taken by her own country. However, the ongoing international tensions between the two superpowers might be hampering her release.

The recent updates put Brittney Griner and her supporters in a tough spot. The United States of America has claimed to answer all demands set by Russia. But even then they have reportedly not responded healthily.

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What do you think the future holds for Brittney Griner in this situation? Let us know your views in the comments below.