John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the National Security Council, said on Sunday that the disputed prisoner exchange with Russia between WNBA star Brittney Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan ” I had no choice,” he declared.
Kirby’s comments follow days of speculation and outrage after Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as “The Merchant of Death”, was released from federal prison in exchange for Griner.
NBC News was forced to issue an embarrassing correction after first reporting that President Biden could have received Whelan instead of Griner, saying, “The Kremlin gave the White House a choice between Griner and Whelan. The article was then edited to read, “The Kremlin finally gave the White House the choice of choosing Griner or none after various options were proposed.”
“An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the choice the Biden administration was given over the hostages: trade Griner or none, and choose between Griner and Whelan. A correction was added to point out that it was not to do.
Britney Greiner released from Russian prison in exchange for convicted arms dealer
On August 4, 2022, in Khimki, a suburb of Moscow, Russia, WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Britney Griner was escorted out of court after a hearing. arms merchant.
(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlyanichenko, File)
The White House claims Russia is treating Whelan differently because he is accused of espionage, and that the U.S. has been given a chance to get Griner back or no one has. .
In response to a report on NBC News’ “Fox News Sunday,” Kirby told anchor Shannon Bream that he could unequivocally say that there was no choice between Whelan and Griner.
GOP Lawmakers Respond Except Paul Whelan After Biden Swaps Russia’s ‘Merchant Of Death’ For Britney Greiner
FILE – Former US Marine Paul Whelan, who was arrested on espionage charges, hears the verdict in court at the Moscow City Court in Moscow, Russia, June 15, 2020.
(Sofia Sandurskaya, photo via AP for Moscow News Agency, files)
“There was never a choice posed by the Russians,” he said. “For Mr. Bout it was only Mr. Griner. They treat Paul differently, Shannon, for these bogus spy charges. He’s been put in a special category by the Russians. Last I was trying to get both of them out until the end, but there was nothing I could do, so I signed a contract now, at least let one of them go home, and made an effort to get Paul home. is where we are now.”
Kirby also countered criticism for releasing Bout, who was convicted in 2011 of conspiring to kill Americans, delivering anti-aircraft missiles, and providing aid to terrorist organizations. He pointed out that Bout was slated for release in 2029.
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: In this photo furnished by the U.S. Department of Justice, former Soviet military officer and suspected arms trafficker Viktor Bout (C) is seen on November 16, 2010 in White Plains, New York. After arriving at Westchester County Airport, deplane from the plane. The match was handed over from Thailand to the United States to face terrorism charges after final efforts by Russian diplomats to seek his release failed. (Photo by U.S. Department of Justice via Getty Images)
(Photo by U.S. Department of Justice via Getty Images)
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Kirby said, “No one in the White House is doing a backflip of joy for him walking down the street, but this is the deal we can get and now is the time.” “We are clearly going to keep an eye on national security, and Mr. Boot has a choice, and if he chooses to return to that job, we will give them the appropriate responsibility.” We will do everything we can to inflict ‘like we have had in the past. ”
