The world is talking about the exchange of prisoners between Russia and the United States! Victor Bout and Brittney Griner Free, Biden’s Paul Whelan Statement |
The other day USA and Russia between a prisoner was exchanged. USABritish women’s basketball player Britney Griner and Russian arms smuggler Victor Booth Abu Dhabi weather was released at the port. USA President Joe Biden “He is safe and sound. He is currently on a plane. Now he’s coming home” he said. Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Boot returned to his homeland” made a statement. On the other hand, former US soldier Paul Whelan, who is imprisoned in Russia, in an interview with CNN channel, US President Joe Biden criticized the administration. “Free I am very disappointed that more was not done to ensure that I was he said.
According to the report of the American press based on high-ranking US officials, Griner and Booth are the US and Russia between captive within the exchange free was done.
US President Joe Biden “I talked to Britney Griner on the phone a few minutes ago. He is safe. He is currently on a plane. Now he is returning home,” he shared. used expressions.
Biden also shared a photo of the moment he spoke with Griner on the phone. Next to Biden vice president Kamala Harris and Griner’s wife Cherelle Griner were also spotted in the Oval Office.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia a prisoner the exchange was confirmed and “Bouth and Griner exchange on December 8, Abu Dhabi weather was successfully completed at the port. But has returned to his homeland. statements are included.
In the statement, it was stated that long-term consultations were held between Russia and the United States for the release of Viktor Bout.
On the other hand, Biden also shared the details of the operation in his speech at the White House. “After months of unjust imprisonment in Russia, under unbearable conditions, Brittney will soon be in the arms of her loved ones,” Biden said. used the expression.
Grinerin free Biden, who expressed that they never stopped the pressure, thanked all the American officials who worked for Griner’s release.
“I would also like to thank the United Arab Emirates for helping Britney get back. Britney flew here first,” Biden said. he said.
Stating that Griner’s condition is good and he is relieved to have returned home, Biden also touched on the condition of another American citizen, Paul Whelan, detained in Russia.
“Unfortunately, for completely illegal reasons, Russia treats Paul’s case differently than Britney. We haven’t released Paul yet, but we won’t give up. We will never give up. We are in close contact with Paul’s family.” Biden said. spoke
between Russia and the United States a prisoner on charges of espionage in Russia after the exchange imprisonment Another US soldier, Paul Whelan, criticized US President Joe Biden’s administration in a telephone interview with CNN. “I am very disappointed that more has not been done to secure my release, especially as the fourth anniversary of my imprisonment approaches. For a crime I didn’t commit imprisonment i’m done “I still don’t understand why I’m sitting here.
Whelan in Russia last August court 9 years on charges of possessing drugs and bringing electronic cigarette cartridges containing drugs imprisonment US women’s basketball player Brittney Griner, who was convicted, said that she was happy with the release and that things are going well. well, governments are negotiating and very soon. He said he was sure something would happen. When asked if he was surprised that Griner and Russian arms dealer Victor Bout were not included in the US-Russia exchange, Whelan expressed surprise.
Arrest v. United States political describing it as blackmail, Whelan said he knew he was being evaluated in a different category than Griner, “They always thought I was on a different level than other criminals, and for whatever reason, here I am again.” from a western country accused of espionage. I am treated differently than any other person. So, although we are both here for espionage, I am treated very differently from him, and the treatment I receive is very different from those in other espionage prisons.”
Whelan said that he has 12 years left in his prison sentence and expressed his concern that he will not be able to return to the United States. Whelan, the president He said he hoped Joe Biden and his administration would “do everything in their power to bring me home, no matter the price they have to pay at this point.”
USA, Ireland, Great Britain and Whelan, a Canadian citizen 2018capital in December in Moscow was detained by the Russian authorities for allegedly participating in an intelligence operation in a hotel. Whelan 2020In June of 2008, charges of espionage were opened against him court was found guilty and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
US officials have stated that despite US negotiation efforts, Russia has refused to release him.
US basketball player Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia in February with drugs.
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