Former UFC middleweight fighter Tim Kennedy believes that bringing back American basketball star, Brittney Griner isn’t enough. Although the Biden administration has managed to bring her back through prison exchange, a lot of work remains to be done, as per the ex-MMA fighter. Moreover, Kennedy was specifically talking about Paul Whelan.
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The trade for Griner was quite costly. Viktor Bout was freed in exchange for the eight-time all-star member. Furthermore, this showed the desperation of the Biden administration to make the trade, since they were under immense pressure.
Brittney Griner release is a job half done
Alike the basketball star, others are facing the same fate in Russia. Mark Fogel, Sarah Krivanek, and Paul Whelan remain imprisoned along with many others. The former UFC middleweight fighter certainly feels that way. He used Twitter to share his opinion.
Wherein he said, “We still have another American that is being held as a political prisoner in Russia. US Marine Paul Whelan is as valuable as any other American. We fight for each other and support each other. That is the American way.”
This comes come after President Biden’s earlier announcement. He said, “She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home.” President Biden was speaking about Griner’s safe return after the exchange in Abu Dabhi. The agreement saw the light of day once the midterm elections got over.
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Paul Whelan isn’t forgotten
The fact that only a one-for-one swap took place came as a surprise, since negotiations for both Griner and Whelan were in place for over eight months. Paul Whelan is a corporate security officer from Michigan, who faces jail based on espionage.
His family and the Biden administration do not agree with the charges and accusations by calling them baseless. President Biden said, “We’ve not forgotten about Paul Whelan…”
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Despite these comments, it remains to be seen whether the Biden administration actually ends up bringing Paul Whelan back.
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