Brittney Griner’s Release Draws Emotional, Heartbreaking Response from Paul Whelan’s Twin Brother

After months of trying to get her home, the Biden Administration has finally broken through in their talks with Russia; and Brittney Griner is coming home. This has become a very emotional moment for many, including David Whelan, the brother of incarcerated former Marine, Paul Whelan.

While the WNBA star is coming home, Paul Whelan is still in Russia. His family called it a "catastrophe," but President Joe Biden stated that they are speaking to the Whelan family.

David Whelan, the twin brother of Paul Whelan, released a statement about the issue. He said he is glad that Brittney Griner is coming home and that the Biden Administration made the right decision.

While imprisoned in a Russian Penal colony, Paul Whelan spoke to CNN and stated, "I am greatly disappointed that more has not been done to secure my release, especially as the four year anniversary of my arrest is coming up."

Biden noted to the press that they still have not forgotten about Paul Whelan. He stated, "We will keep negotiating in good faith for Paul's release."

However, U.S. officials have admitted that bringing him home might be harder, as his case is going to be treated differently by the Russians because of the "sham espionage" charges against him.

Channels remain open between the United States and Russia for Paul Whelan's release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that they had to secure Griner's release first because they did not want to lose the opportunity to do so.

Brittney Griner Exchanged With Notorious Russian Arms Dealer

Brittney Griner's release came after the United States agreed to also release notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, a former Soviet Army lieutenant colonel once considered one of the world's most prolific arms dealers, according to the Associated Press.

Bout was charged with conspiring to sell tens of millions of dollars in weapons that were to be used against Americans. He was serving a 25-year sentence before Biden agreed to his release in exchange for Griner.

In order to do this, Biden had to issue an executive grant of clemency to free him from a federal prison in Illinois.

The deal comes amid heightening tensions between Moscow and Washington, as the United States government has become highly critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Blinken had high-level talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov over the exchange and made a "substantial proposal" to Russia for both Griner and Whelan.

Cherelle Griner Reacts to Brittney Griner's Release

When Biden announced the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from a Russian penal colony, he was accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner.

In her statement to the media, she said that the last few months have been some of the darkest days in her life. She said that she was overwhelmed with emotion, but the "most important emotion" she has right now is just sincere gratitude. She says that it had not been easy with a lot of things involved happening to release her wife.

She also acknowledged that while her wife is coming home, Paul Whelan is not. She stated that her heart goes to Whelan and his family and continues to advocate for his release.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: WNBA star Griner freed in US-Russia prisoner swap - Associated Press