The Biden administration has made an offer to Russia "as part of a potential deal to secure the release of two Americans" including Brittney Griner, according to sources. The Biden administration "offered to exchange Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker serving a 25-year U.S. prison sentence," in the deal. Sources said that the plan to trade Bout for Griner and Paul Whelan received the backing of President Biden after "being under discussion since earlier this year." Biden's support for the swap "overrides opposition from the Department of Justice, which is generally against prisoner trades." An administration official "declined to comment on the specifics of the 'substantial offer.'"

Source: CNN July 27, 2022 20:47 UTC