Diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States are on the verge of being severed because of the war in Ukraine. John Sullivan, US Ambassador in Moscow, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday evening (March 21, 2022) and was handed an official protest note. The US diplomat used the report to demand access to US citizens detained in Russia in return.
Alleged drug possession – WNBA star Griner in custody in Russia
Among them is basketball player Brittney Griner. The 31-year-old is one of the biggest stars in the US professional league WNBA, champion with Phoenix Mercury and two-time Olympic champion. Until recently, Griner was also active at the top Russian club UMMC Yekaterinburg, like a number of US basketball players who play for good money at top European clubs outside of the WNBA season.
Since mid-February, however, Griner has been in custody after she was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for alleged drug possession, as the Russian customs authorities and their lawyers have now confirmed. According to Russian customs, so-called vape cartridges with hashish oil were discovered in Griner’s luggage during an inspection, and she faces a prison sentence of up to ten years.
The case immediately put US diplomacy on high alert at a time when US-Russia relations are as bad as they have been since the Cold War following the attack on Ukraine. In the past, US politicians have repeatedly complained to the Russian judiciary that US citizens resident in Russia have been charged with dubious allegations and in some cases convicted. Joaquin Castro, Congressman from Texas, renewed this allegation immediately after the news of Griner’s arrest. This is “another example of Russia falsely accusing and wrongfully imprisoning US citizens‘ he said in the New York Times.
State Department on the Griner case: “Extremely sensitive situation”
The government agencies in the USA have so far been very reluctant to deal with the case. They rely on negotiations with the Russian side that are as discreet as possible, above all so as not to endanger Griner’s well-being. Colin Allred, US Congressman and member of the US Foreign Relations Committee, spoke of one in the New York Times “extremely delicate situation”. One will try to do everything to grinner to help stressed Allred. But at the same time also “to refrain from anything that puts them in danger or further aggravates their situation“.
grinner herself had an unspecified confidant from custody inform her that she was doing well given the circumstances. She is legally represented by a team of Russian lawyers, which is one of the reasons why the demands from the US side have recently become louder. According to the US State Department, was detained grinner repeatedly refused contact with American consular staff, saying this was a clear violation of international norms.