On Thursday it was revealed that Biden exchanged U.S. prisoner Viktor Bout, convicted Russian arms dealer, for the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner who was being held in Russia on drug charges. Meanwhile, retired Marine Paul Whelan was left behind in Russia even though the Biden administration made claims to reporters that the U.S. was trying to secure his release. Whelan’s family called the swap a “catastrophe” as the U.S. now has no leverage for his release. He has been held on charges of spying but claims he is innocent.
