The Latest Breaking News from US State Department

Brittney Griner ‘decided to take full responsibility’ with guilty plea, Russian legal team says

Her legal team hopes plea will help her avoid severe sentence

The Independent UK · Jul 8, 2022

Brittney Griner, Houston-born WNBA player detained in Russia, appeals to Biden

Griner is “terrified I might be here forever,” according to excerpts of a handwritten letter to the president provided to media outlets by a family representative.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 4, 2022

‘We will fight for justice’: Abu Akleh family slams killing probe

Abu Akleh’s niece tells Al Jazeera her aunt was killed ‘intentionally’ by Israeli forces, disputing US-announced report.

Al Jazeera · Jul 4, 2022

West Urges Libyan Leaders to Agree on Pathway to Elections

The United States, France, Germany, Italy and Great Britain urged Libyan political leaders to negotiate constructively to end an impasse and agree on a pathway to elections, a joint statement released by the US State Department said on Friday. “We welcome the degree of consensus reached so far towards agreement…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 25, 2022

Biden to Visit Israel Despite its Political Turmoil

The US State Department confirmed that President Joe Biden is proceeding with his plans to visit Israel, despite the current political turmoil. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken promised his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett that the United States would continue its support for Israel in…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 23, 2022

Russian Spokesman Says Griner Isn’t a Hostage, Doesn’t Note Potential Release

The Kremlin’s Dmitry Peskov gave no indication of when—or if—the WNBA star would be released.

Sports Illustrated · Jun 21, 2022

Dick Vitale Shares Statement About Brittney Griner Situation

The Mercury star has been held by Russia since Feb. 17, which the U.S. has classified a “wrongful detainment.”

Sports Illustrated · Jun 18, 2022

U.S. veterans missing in Ukraine formed bond over background

The families of two military veterans from Alabama who are missing in Ukraine have joined together to seek information about their whereabouts

The Independent UK · Jun 16, 2022

Brittney Griner’s Agent Speaks Out on Russia’s Detention Ruling

The WNBA star has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17, and the Russian government announced that her detention will be extended to at least July 2.

Sports Illustrated · Jun 16, 2022

Lebanese Stance on Border Dispute with Israel Enables More Talks, US Mediator Says

Indirect negotiations to resolve a maritime border dispute between Lebanon and Israel will be bolstered by a proposal Lebanese officials presented to a US mediator in Beirut on Tuesday, Washington's envoy said. "I think that it will enable negotiations to go forward," mediator Amos Hochstein said in an interview with…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 14, 2022