Women's Basketball Star Britney Griner Free From Russian Prisons Before 2022 Ends

JAKARTA - Former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson told of his meeting with officials close to the Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the release of female basketball player Britney Griner.

Center Phoenix Mercury and two Olympic gold medalist Griner were arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February after being caught carrying a vape tube filled with marijuana in his trunk. He was found guilty in a Russian court on August 4 and sentenced to nine years in prison.

In an interview with CNN, Richardson discussed Griner's plans to release. He also talked about former US maritimeist Paul Whelan who was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of spying offenses, which he did not admit.

"I am optimistic carefully at Griner-Helan negotiations," Richardson told Jake Tapper. "I think this will be a deal between two prisoners for two prisoners."

The reported plan that negotiations for Griner and Whelan's release would involve Viktor Bout, the well-known "death trader" imprisoned in the United States, has been received by Richardson, who did not name any other detainees involved.

Coupled with this, Richardson was asked by Tapper about whether he saw the possibility that Griner and Whelan would be released before the end of 2022, and the answer was outspoken.

"I think so," said Richardson. "(I) just gave you my assessment after two visits to Russia on behalf of the American hostages."

In addition, Richardson said that during his visit he could feel the readiness of the Russian government to carry out these negotiations.

"I feel that the Russian officials I have met, who I have known for years, are ready to speak," said Richardson. "I have a good feeling from Russia, the vibrations, but I am not a government official."