Moscow has criticized Washington for their approach towards the Brittney Griner situation. The Biden administration has been trying to broker a prisoner exchange deal to facilitate the release of the WNBA star. However, Russian authorities have criticized their American counterparts’ style of diplomacy in negotiations concerning the release of Brittney Griner, according to recent reports.

Earlier this month, Russian courts sentenced Griner to nine years in prison for possession of illicit drugs. Soon after, President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the verdict and called the Phoenix Mercury star’s detention “unacceptable”. Since then, U.S. diplomats have been trying to strike a deal with Russia to bring home Griner amid growing concerns among Americans.

However, Russian authorities have admonished Washington’s approach towards the whole situation. According to a Reuters report, the Russian foreign ministry has accused the United States government of indulging in “megaphone diplomacy” to use Griner’s potential release as capital before the mid-term elections in November.

Russia accuses America of using Brittney Griner as a political tool before elections

Moscow has accused America of using Griner as a political tool to score points before the mid-term elections in November. Ivan Nechayev, a spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry, said on Thursday, “Quiet diplomacy is under way and it should bear fruit if Washington follows it, and not fall into propaganda through media hype to score points before an election,”

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Washington has displayed interest in exchanging Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan. Bout is currently serving a 25-year-sentence in the US. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has highlighted that America’s public diplomacy has undermined the possibility of a deal.

In the meantime, the Biden administration is facing pressure domestically to bring home Griner swiftly. The 31-year-old star had been detained in February for carrying vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil in her belongings.

Griner’s future in Russia

Griner’s future remains uncertain amid claims of public appeasement diplomacy from Russia. Last month, Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken had a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

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However, the Kremlin raised concerns after U.S. diplomats released certain information to the public. As it turns out, the Russian authorities have requested a more private channel of diplomacy for more efficient execution of the procedure.