Devastating News for Brittney Griner: Release No Longer a Priority for Kremlin

July 8, 2025 – Brittney Griner, the WNBA superstar and Olympic champion, continues to face a grim future as she serves a nine-year prison sentence in Russia on drug-related charges. Recent developments suggest that the chances of Griner’s early release are slim, stirring anxiety and uncertainty among her family, fans, and the international community.

Griner’s Conviction Amid Political Tensions

Brittney Griner, 31, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport in February after Russian customs officials discovered cannabis oil in her luggage—an illegal substance in Russia. She was subsequently convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison, alongside a fine equivalent to $16,500.

As one of the most celebrated female basketball players worldwide, a seven-time WNBA All-Star, and an Olympic gold medalist, Griner’s imprisonment has attracted significant global attention. The U.S. government has repeatedly demanded her immediate release.

Kremlin Says Griner’s Release Is Not a Priority

However, in a recent interview broadcast on Russian state television channel “Moscow.Kremlin.Putin,” Yury Ushakov, a close aide to President Vladimir Putin, made startling remarks that disappointed many.

Ushakov stated that in the current tense geopolitical climate, releasing Brittney Griner “is not a priority” for the Kremlin. He also suggested that U.S. President Joe Biden is more focused on the upcoming midterm elections in the United States than on negotiating Griner’s freedom.

These comments have sparked widespread concern among Griner’s loved ones and those advocating for her release.

Family Fears Griner May Never Return Home

In a recent interview, Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife, expressed deep fears that Brittney may never return home. Her worries amplify the urgency and emotional toll surrounding the case, placing immense pressure on the U.S. government to find a resolution.

Cherelle has been at the forefront of campaigning for international support to free Brittney, rallying communities and organizations worldwide to apply pressure on Russian authorities.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Deadlock

The U.S. administration under President Biden has consistently called on Russia to free Brittney Griner, framing the issue as one of human rights and justice. Despite this, negotiations with Russian officials have yielded little progress.

Earlier this month, the White House announced no substantive advances in talks with Moscow, citing a lack of response from Russian authorities regarding potential prisoner exchanges involving Griner.

Last week, President Biden stated that he does not plan to meet Russian President Putin at the upcoming G20 summit unless the issue of Griner’s release is on the agenda. “I have no intention of meeting with him,” Biden said. “But if he comes to me at G20 and says, ‘I want to talk about releasing Griner,’ I will meet with him.”

U.S. Midterm Elections Cast a Shadow Over Diplomacy?

Ushakov’s remarks about Biden’s focus on the U.S. midterm elections raise questions about how domestic political events in America influence international diplomacy.

With the midterms poised to reshape U.S. political dynamics and foreign policy, competing internal priorities may complicate efforts to secure Griner’s release.

Brittney Griner: A Symbol of Sports and Human Rights

Brittney is not just an elite athlete but also a symbol of women’s empowerment and LGBTQ+ representation. Her imprisonment highlights broader issues of international justice and the treatment of citizens abroad.

Numerous human rights organizations, fellow athletes, and world leaders have condemned her sentence and called for her freedom.

What Lies Ahead for Brittney Griner?

As of now, Griner’s fate remains uncertain. She has been held for over 243 days under difficult conditions in a Russian prison, while her family and supporters continue to hope for a miracle.

Her struggle represents more than an individual plight; it reflects the complicated intersection of international politics, human rights, and sport amid strained U.S.-Russia relations.

Conclusion

The Brittney Griner case starkly illustrates how international political tensions profoundly impact individuals’ lives. With the Kremlin showing no indication of reprioritizing her release, her future remains bleak. The ongoing diplomatic stalemate underscores the urgent need for renewed efforts by all parties to bring Brittney home safely.

Meanwhile, fans and the global sporting community keep a close eye on developments, advocating tirelessly for justice and fairness for Brittney Griner