“Cautiously Optimistic”: Former UN Ambassador Sparks Hope for Brittney Griner’s Return in a Speculated “Two-For-Two”

Brittney Griner continues to be embroiled in trouble. It has been months since the WNBA star has been in Russian detention. Her loved ones are still drowning in hope and sorrow, yearning to see her as soon as possible.

Griner’s family and friends eagerly anticipate her return to her homeland. And a man has recently offered them a much-needed glimmer of hope. That man is former Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson. He suggested that Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, another American detainee in Russia, might be released by the end of the year.

Richardson remarked on CNN‘s “State of the Union” that he is optimistic regarding the release of the two US detainees after meeting with senior Russian officials.

“I am cautiously optimistic. I think it’s going to be a two-for-two,” he noted.

Richardson is well-known for working discreetly on behalf of families of hostages and detainees. In fact, he expressed hope after traveling to Moscow to discuss the release of the aforementioned detainees, as well as the release of additional prisoners.

He declined to identify the officials he met with. He did, however, mention that the people he met are close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Richardson also stated that he hates making predictions. But when asked if he believed Griner and Whelan will be freed before the end of the year, he responded yes.

Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years behind Russian bars after pleading guilty to drug charges. She was detained at a Moscow airport after officials found cannabis-infused vape cartridges in her bag.

Whelan has been serving his 16-year prison sentence after being arrested on espionage charges in 2018.

Joe Biden offered hope to the families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan

United States President Joe Biden recently met the families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan at the White House. In fact, it was his first personal interaction with them since their loved ones were imprisoned in Russia.

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He offered optimism to them and stated that he and his administration are working extremely hard to free the two detainees.

Now, another man, in Bill Richardson offered their families hope. However, it is to be noted that he is not working for the US government. In fact, he is doing this on behalf of his private humanitarian foundation. Furthermore, a senior administration official told CNN that anyone visiting Russia is doing so as a private citizen, and not on behalf of the US government.

Richardson himself mentioned in his interview with CNN that he is not part of the government and has always made that clear.

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Despite considerable opposition from the federal authorities, he has maintained his humanitarian efforts. Moreover, he stated that he will continue his efforts, stressing that there are many Americans wrongfully detained across the world.