The U.S. government has not disclosed an official number of Americans detained abroad. Russia’s April release of former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed intensified calls by relatives of others held overseas for Biden to act. Several weeks before Reed’s release, his parents met with Biden after demonstrating outside the White House. The White House said Biden directed his team to remain in regular contact with Griner’s family and with the families of other detained Americans. ‘FAILED SPECTACULARLY’Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month held a video call with families of detained Americans, while Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a similar session last year.

Source: New York Times July 07, 2022 19:24 UTC