
The MP commented on the US statement about “readiness for tough decisions” after the Moscow Regional Court approved the sentence for basketball player Brittney Griner.
US President Joe Biden is ready to accept the conditions of the Russian side on the exchange of prisoners. This opinion was expressed by a member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Maria Butina, commenting on the statement by Assistant to the Head of the United States for National Security Jake Sullivan that America is “ready for tough decisions” after the Moscow Regional Court approved the sentence of American basketball player Brittney Griner.
“Russia has repeatedly stated that it is ready for a fair two-for-two prisoner exchange, firstly. Secondly, we have announced several possible candidates for this exchange, including some of them in NATO countries that are partners of America, as we know,” the parliamentarian said.
Earlier, Sullivan said that the US authorities are ready to take emergency measures in order to return Americans convicted in Russia to the country. Commenting on these words, Butina expressed confidence that the decision on the exchange now depends on Biden.
“He can negotiate with his partners and agree to Russia’s terms. For him, this is an emergency. I don’t think that we are talking about some attempts to steal Greiner, ”the deputy believes.
Today, the Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict of Brittney Greiner handed down by the Khimki Court on August 4. The athlete was found guilty of smuggling drugs without intent to sell. She was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.