U.S. distances itself from Bill Richardson meetings in Russia where Americans jailed

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson American looks on during a news conference after the release of journalist Danny Fenster, who was released from prison on Monday after negotiations between Richardson and the ruling military junta in Myanmar, after Fenster's arrival at JFK International airport in New York, U.S., November 16, 2021.REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

The United States distanced itself on Wednesday from a visit by former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson to Russia where WNBA star Brittney Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan remain jailed.

Richardson, who has privately worked to secure the release of American detainees abroad, held meetings there this week, according to a source familiar with the matter.