The release of Brittney Griner by Russia followed by her public statement has grabbed multiple headlines in the past few weeks. The Phoenix Mercury star is one of the best players in the WNBA and also the Russian league during her time with UMMC Ekaterinburg.

When Griner was released on December 8, she was not the only U.S. citizen to be released by Russia. Sarah Krivanek who moved to Russia five years ago to teach English, was also released after spending more than a year in captivity. However, she reportedly did not get the same treatment from the U.S. government as Griner.

Krivanek was treated differently from Brittney Griner by the U.S. Government

Ever since Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia, there have been huge outcries to bring her back from celebrities and fans. The U.S. government promised she would be brought back home. After continuous engagement between the two countries, Griner was finally released in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout. Sarah Krivanek was released on the same date, however, she did not travel on the same flight as Griner did. Furthermore, she had to reportedly sign a contract agreeing to repay the cost of her flight before boarding.

According to a tweet from Hank Campbell, “Sarah Krivanek was released by Russia the same day as Brittney Griner but was put on a flight alone and had to sign a contract to repay the U.S. government for the cost. Guess ya gotta have Today show appearances to get some respect from the White House.”

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During a recent interview with ABC News, Krivanek stated that she was put on a commercial flight and had to sign a contract to repay the U.S. government for the flight and travel. She added she was given only $100 in cash and was “forced to travel alone.”

Sarah Krivanek’s time in Russia

Five years ago, Sarah Krivanek moved to Russia to teach English in multiple Russian private schools. However, amidst the pandemic, she lost her job in 2021. She was living with her boyfriend who reportedly physically abused her. During a fight, Krivanek used a knife to protect herself. But the boyfriend called the police, and, and she was detained. The boyfriend then wanted to drop the charges, but, but Krivanek was still sent to prison.

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She was then released on a bail and was required not to leave Moscow. Unfortunately, she had to live with her ex-boyfriend since she had nowhere else to go. But her ex-boyfriend continued to be abusive, so she tried to return to the country with the help of the U.S. embassy. Before boarding the flight she was detained and put in prison until recently when some help finally arrived.