Brittney Griner on Paul Whelan

Brittney Griner expressed her joy over the recent release of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich from Russian custody, calling it a 'great day' for the families involved. Whelan, who had been imprisoned for over five years on espionage charges, and Gershkovich, a journalist detained since March 2023, were part of a significant prisoner swap involving 24 individuals, marking the largest exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War. Griner, who herself spent 10 months in a Russian penal colony before her release in December 2022, emphasized the importance of bringing Americans home. She stated, 'Any day that Americans come home, that’s a win,' and expressed her emotional connection to the situation. The swap was facilitated in Turkey, highlighting ongoing tensions and negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding detained citizens. Griner also voiced her ongoing support for Gershkovich and encouraged hope for all those still in captivity.