Bill Richardson, the former US Ambassador to the United Nations, said he has discussed Brittney Griner’s release with top Russian officials.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union this weekend, Mr Richardson said he is “cautiously optimistic” that the WNBA star and Paul Whelan, a former Marine also detained in Russia, could possibly be released by the end of the year. Mr Richardson’s talks with Russian officials are separate from the US government’s efforts to free Ms Griner.
