Key Points
- Russian state media are mocking the United States for prioritizing WNBA player Brittney Griner over former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan because of Griner’s race and sexual orientation.
- Whelan, a former Marine convicted in 2020 on manufactured espionage charges, has spent two years in a Russian penal colony.
- President Joe Biden has met with Griner’s wife Cherelle several times, inviting her to the Oval Office on Thursday to personally share the news of Griner’s release.
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