Kremlin: Any talks about Griner swap must be confidential

The Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) – The Kremlin has reiterated that any discussions about a possible swap involving U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner who is serving a nine-year prison sentence in Russia for drug possession must be strictly confidential.

The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s airport.

A Russian court has rejected Griner’s appeal.

Asked if Griner could be freed as part of a prisoners swap with Washington, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday “we always say that any contacts about possible exchanges can only be conducted in silence under a tight lid on any information.”

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10/26/2022 9:35:03 AM (GMT -5:00)