It was a ‘two for two deal’ and UP President had a ‘painful’ decision to make for securing Griner’s release. And, he made it.
Again it was Russia versus America where United States President Joe Biden did not make any unwanted attempt which could make the situation further worse. America pushed for a two-for-one deal, nevertheless, Russia replied only Griner is going to head home — or no one will.
This was about making decision on Brittney Griner’s home coming from Russia. In the last couple of weeks, President Joe Biden was in a dillemat over a one-or-none choice about the matter. He had to decided whether American wants to bring Brittney Griner home now, or it will risk leaving both her and another fellow American Paul Whelan in the custory of Russia.
Finally the US President had to make the “very painful decision” for releasing the man who was charged with conspiracy to kill Americans for securing a basketball star’s release, as per a senior US administration official.
Scoring a major diplomatic victory, Joe Biden again had to disappoint the Whelan family which has been awaiting for last four years to embrace him.
It was then a movie-like scene unfolding witnessing the scramble that ensued between Russia and the U.S. towards finalizing the remaining details resulted. On 8th of December Thursday morning over an Abu Dhabi tarmac the two – Griner and Viktor Bout alias “Merchant of Death,” a Russian arms dealer passed each other in a historical prisoner swap. They did not make any eye contact while walking to their respective plans.
The special envoy of America for hostage affairs, Roger Carstens, welcomed Griner near the US aircraft telling her he was there for bringing her back home.
The swapping followed with Joe Biden’s statement saying that Britney is safe which was not a good news for the Whelan family.
