In a statement after the meetings, which were held separately, White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said Biden emphasized to the families “his continued commitment to working through all avenues available to bring Brittney and Paul safely ». “He asked for the well-being of Elizabeth and Cherelle and their respective families during this painful time,” Jean-Pierre said. “The president appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Brittney and Paul from those who love them most and recognized that every minute they are kept counts for a long time.” But administration officials said the meetings were not a sign that negotiations with Russia for their release have achieved a breakthrough. Earlier Friday, John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said Russia had not responded to what administration officials described as a substantial and serious offer to release Griner and Whelan. “The president is not going to give up,” Kirby told reporters. “He’s sure that will remain at the forefront of his and his team’s mind and they will continue to work as hard as they can.” Griner has been held in Russia since February on drug-related charges. She was sentenced last month to nine years in prison after pleading guilty and appealing the sentence. Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage-related charges that he and his family say are false. The US government considers both to be wrongfully detained, placing their cases in the office of its top hostage negotiator. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken took the unusual step of announcing two months ago that the administration had made a substantive proposal to Russia. While not elaborating on the offer, a person familiar with the matter said the US had offered to free convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. The administration conducted a prisoner swap last April, with Moscow releasing Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for the US release of a Russian pilot, Konstantin Yaroshenko, convicted of a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser, attended both meetings. Biden sat down with Elizabeth Whelan, Paul Whelan’s sister. The president then met with Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner’s wife, as well as the player’s agent, Lindsay Colas, according to the White House. Cherelle Griner thanked Biden in a statement provided to the Guardian through representatives for Brittney Griner. “I want to thank President Biden for today’s meeting,” the statement said. “It was an honor to speak with him directly about the Brittney we know and love and thank him for the administration’s efforts to secure her release. I felt every minute of the grueling seven months without her. I can’t wait for my wife to come home. “As my family and I continue on this journey, I would like to thank the broad coalition of friends, leaders and supporters who continue to stand with us and support Brittney’s speedy and safe return. Let’s share a united commitment to bring all Americans home to their families and loved ones.”
