Several Americans have been held in Moscow and unable to leave since the war started. One of them is the 31-year-old athlete Brittney Griner.
Detained WNBA star Brittney Griner penned a letter to the White House pleading to President Joe Biden for aid in bringing her back to the United States.
To summarize what Griner said in a letter made public on Monday: “I’m frightened that I may be stuck here forever while I sit here in a Russian prison alone with my thoughts and without the safety of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments.”
On February 17, only days before Russia attacked Ukraine, Griner was detained in Moscow as she prepared to fly back to the United States. Police said she owned cannabis oil-filled vape cartridges.
The Phoenix Mercury center now risks a 10-year term for cocaine trafficking if convicted. On Friday, Griner’s trial began in a Moscow courthouse.
Griner’s imprisonment has been interpreted as a negotiation tactic by the United States and Russia because of their differences over Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Independence Day coincided with the delivery of Griner’s letter to Biden.
“My father, a Vietnam War veteran, is always honored on the Fourth of July,” Griner noted in an email. “When I reflect on my regular Fourth of July festivities, I get a little queasy because freedom means something entirely different to me this year.
“Don’t forget about the other American detainees and me while you’re dealing with the problem of the states. Please help us get home safely. Please. I voted for you for the first time in 2020. I have faith in your abilities. There is still so much I can accomplish when I am free.”
“I’m missing my wife so much! There is nothing like being reunited with your loved ones! I Miss my teammates so much! It breaks my heart to think of how much they are going through now. Your help in getting me home is greatly appreciated right now.”
“An extremely personal letter, to say the least.” According to Karine Jean-Pierre, the President “takes that extremely personally too.”
“The letter was, as we all know, quite personal. I can reaffirm that he has read it.” There was no mention of how President Trump would respond to the detention of Griner, whom Jean-Pierre claimed was “being unfairly jailed in Moscow.”
Since the letter was handed to the White House, Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner’s wife, has not had any direct contact with the administration.