Biden: Return of Americans Detained Abroad is a Priority for Administration

President Joe Biden announced Thursday the release of Brittney Griner from prison in Russia and confirmed that the U.S. is seeking the release of another American detained in Russia, former Marine Paul Whelan.

“Unfortunately and for completely illegal reasons, Russia is treating Paul’s case differently than Brittney’s. And while we have not yet been able to secure Paul’s release, we are not giving up. We will never give up,” Biden said.

Recall that in August Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a maximum-security penal colony on drug charges. She was detained at the Moscow airport in February 2022 because of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil found in her luggage.

The president said Greiner is already on the plane on her way home and that she will soon be reunited with her family.

“She’s in good spirits and she’s relieved to be coming home,” he said, noting that Griner, who suffered an unwarranted trauma, will need time to recover.

Biden stressed that the return of Americans detained overseas remains a priority for his administration.

The president also reminded Americans that when traveling abroad, they should take into account the State Department’s advice and warnings about the possible risks of being detained by foreign authorities.