JUST IN:
The Biden administration has offered to exchange a Russian arms dealer serving 25 years in a U.S. prison for WBNA star Britney Griner and Marine veteran Paul Whelan.
The convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is now serving a 25-year US prison sentence but would be traded for the two Americans falsely imprisoned in Russia.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Wednesday that the US presented a “substantial proposal” to Moscow “weeks ago” for Whelan and Griner.
“There is in my mind utility in conveying clear, direct messages to the Russians on key priorities for us. And as I mentioned, these include securing the return home of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan,” said Blinken.