President Joe Biden met with family members of WNBA star Brittney Griner and corporate security executive Paul Whelan — both of whom are Americans detained in Russian prisons — at the White House on Friday, according to multiple reports.
and corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both of whom are Americans detained in Russian prisons, at the White House on Friday, according to multiple reports.
The meetings took place separately and were the first in-person encounters either family has had with the president. Biden first met with Elizabeth Whelan, the sister of Paul Whelan, then with Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner, and Griner’s agent Lindsay Colas. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also joined Biden in the meetings, per reports.
During the meetings, Biden reportedly assured the families that his administration is working to secure Griner and Whelan’s freedom. “We’re going to continue to do everything that we can, working tirelessly every day, to make sure that we get them home,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday,Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia aiming to bring home Griner and Whelan continue but have been unsuccessful so far. Since late February, there’s been heightened tension between the U.S. and Russia after the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in late February., on Feb.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Liz Truss to meet world leaders ahead of Queen's funeralThe PM will meet leaders including US President Joe Biden over the weekend, before Monday's service.
Read more »
US rail strike averted as Joe Biden announces tentative agreementA looming US railway strike has been averted as labor unions and companies reached a tentative agreement announced by President Joe Biden.
Read more »
Key timings revealed for Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeralPresident of the United States, Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be in attendance for Her Majesty’s funeral.
Read more »
Stacey Solomon 'trying to keep head above water' whilst husband Joe is awayStacey Solomon is juggling all four of her children whilst new husband Joe Swash works away for two weeks, and the Loose Women panellist joked that she was struggling
Read more »
Murray & Salisbury lose thriller as GB fall shortGB fail to reach the Davis Cup knockout stage after Andy Murray and Joe Salisbury lose a thrilling key doubles rubber against the Netherlands.
Read more »