Former US ambassador optimistic Russia could release WNBA star, ex-Marine News
© WikiMedia (Lorie Shaull)
Former US ambassador optimistic Russia could release WNBA star, ex-Marine

Former US Ambassador to the UN Bill Richardson Sunday stated in an exclusive to CNN that WNBA star Brittney Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan could be released from Russian detention following meetings he held with senior Russian officials.

Richardson visited Russia on behalf of Griner, Whelan and other American detainees in Russia. Richardson and his team work for a private humanitarian foundation, rather than for the US. Nonetheless, he stated that he consulted with the US and Russian officials and is “cautiously optimistic” regarding negotiations for Griner and Whelan’s release.

Last month, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council John Kirby spoke out against Richardson, stating, “[p]rivate citizens cannot negotiate on behalf of the United States government.” Kirby said that the US is continuing discussions to secure Griner and Whelan’s release, and such discussions should occur only between governments.

Griner is currently serving a nine-year sentence in Russia after pleading guilty to drug possession and smuggling charges on July 7. Whelan was detained in Russia on December 28, 2021, on suspicion of espionage. A judge ruled in January that he must remain in Russian custody until his trial.

THIS DAY @ LAW

UN Security Council called for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied in Six Days' War

On November 22, 1967, the UN Security Council called for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied during the Six Days' War, and for respect of the right of all States in the area to "live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries." Read Resolution 242, which remains a cornerstone of efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.

President Kennedy assassinated, VP Lyndon Johnson sworn inin

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Later that day, Vice-President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States. Earl Warren, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was later tasked with leading a commission to investigate the assassination. President Johnson received the final report of the Warren Commission on September 24, 1964. Read the Warren Commission Report.