President Joe Biden will meet relatives of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan on Friday

By Samantha Allen

Published: September 16, 2022 | 8:24 AM BST

On Friday, President Joe Biden will meet with family members of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, two Americans imprisoned in Russia. Griner is a professional basketball player, and Whelan is a former U.S. Marine.

Brittney Griner is serving a nine-year sentence in Russia Paul Whelan has been sentenced to serve 16 years, after being accused of spying
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “One of the things the president wanted to make clear was that he wanted them to know that they remain in the forefront of his mind and that his team is working every day to see that Brittany and Paul return home safely.”

Griner, who plays for a Russian club, has been imprisoned since 17 February, when cannabis-infused vape cartridges were discovered in her luggage at a Moscow airport.

She has been given a nine-year prison sentence.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced the meetings during her regular daily briefing. But she said there was no good news for the families

Former Marine Whelan is serving a 16-year term on false spying allegations, according to him and his family.

Jean-Pierre stated, “While I would want to say that the aim of this meeting is to notify the families that the Russians have accepted our offer and we are bringing their loved ones home, that is not the case at this time.”

As previously stated, the Russians must accept our offer. Today, they should accept our offer.

The press secretary of the White House, Karine Jean-Pierre, revealed the meetings during her daily briefing. However, she stated that there was no positive news for the families.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.