In an interview with NBC News on Monday, the Kremlin's spokesman said that there was no truth to the idea that the basketball player was being held hostage by the Russians.
The Russian authorities held a woman for carrying an electronic device.
She will be prosecuted for violating Russian law when she was accused of carrying drugs in her luggage.
Hundreds of Russian citizens face penalties for breaking the country's cannabis possession laws and no exception can be made for a foreigner.
Many Americans living in Russia are enjoying their freedom as long as they did not break any laws, as long as she is not called a "hostage", according to Peskov.
The reason why she wasn't simply refused entry into Russia after landing in Moscow wasn't commented on.
Peskov didn't say if Griner will be released in the near future.
As she landed in Moscow in February, she was taken into custody by the Russian authorities after it was alleged that her luggage contained cannabis products. During the off-season, many of the top players in the league went to Russia to play in the Russian premier league. Despite Russia's allegations, several observers believe the reason for Griner's arrest is due to diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Washington. Over the past few months, top WNBA players, teams, and even King James have called on the U.S. government to secure Griner's release
Russian authorities extended their pre- trial detaining until July 2. They had extended it to May 19 and June 19 before. The basketball star could face up to 10 years in prison if she is found guilty. According to an earlier Forbes report, the Biden administration is negotiating a prisoner swap with Russia that would involve convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
The spokesman for Putin said that Griner isn't a hostage.
According to a report by Forbes, the Russian jail ofBrittney Griner will be extended through July.
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