WNBA player exchanged for an arms dealer.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced that a prisoner exchange agreement had been reached with Russia. U.S. WNBA player Brittney Griner has been released in exchange for Russian arms dealing and terrorism supporter Viktor Bout. The administration expressed disappointment that American Paul Whelan, charged with espionage and serving a 16-year sentence, is still detained in Russia.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “While we celebrate Brittney’s release, Paul Whelan and his family continue to suffer needlessly. Despite our ceaseless efforts, the Russian Government has not yet been willing to bring a long overdue end to his wrongful detention. … We will not relent in our efforts to bring Paul and all other U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad home to their loved ones where they belong.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and his administration as they negotiate for the release of Americans held in foreign countries.
- For wisdom for Secretary Blinken as he oversees diplomatic engagements around the world.
- For the families of U.S. citizens being detained overseas.
Sources: CBS News, Washington Examiner
