Brittney Griner Expected Paul Whelan's Release in Prisoner Swap

In an upcoming interview, WNBA star Brittney Griner reveals that she anticipated fellow American detainee Paul Whelan to be included in the December 2022 prisoner swap that secured her release from Russian custody. Griner, who spent nearly 300 days imprisoned in Russia on drug-smuggling charges, thought Whelan would be on the plane with her when she was traded for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

During the interview, set to air on May 1, Griner describes the harsh conditions she faced in a Russian penal colony, including seeing a "huge knife" and dealing with a blood-stained mattress and lack of basic necessities. The experience took a severe toll on her mental health, leading to suicidal thoughts during her imprisonment.

Griner, a nine-time WNBA All-Star and champion, was detained at a Russian airport in February 2022 for possessing hashish oil vape cartridges in her luggage. She pled guilty to the charges in July, stating that the cartridges were unintentionally packed. The U.S. State Department classified her case as "wrongfully detained" in May 2022 and worked to secure her release.

While Griner was freed in the 1-for-1 swap, Whelan, a former U.S. Marine accused of espionage, remains imprisoned in Russia. His continued detention has drawn criticism from Republicans, who argue that the Biden administration failed to secure his release alongside Griner's.

Why this matters: Griner's revelation about expecting Whelan's release highlights the complex nature of prisoner swap negotiations and the challenges faced by the U.S. government in securing the freedom of Americans detained abroad. Her story also brings renewed attention to the plight of Whelan and other U.S. citizens who remain imprisoned in foreign countries.

Since her return to the United States, Griner has become an outspoken advocate for other Americans wrongfully detained overseas, including Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. She plans to use her upcoming memoir, "Coming Home," to help raise awareness about their cases. In the words of Whelan's brother, who fears Paul may never be returned home, "Brittney's a hero for being willing to use her platform to try to help other people."

Key Takeaways

• Brittney Griner expected Paul Whelan to be freed with her in Dec 2022 prisoner swap.
• Griner describes harsh conditions and mental health struggles during Russian imprisonment.
• Griner was detained in Feb 2022 for possessing hashish oil, pleaded guilty in July.
• Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, remains imprisoned in Russia, drawing criticism.
• Griner plans to use her memoir to raise awareness about other detainees like Whelan.