Biden administration makes offer to Russia for release of WNBA star Griner, ex-Marine Whelan

US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on July 27, 2022. 

The United States has made an offer to the Russian government for the release of two Americans.

A large proposal was put on the table a few weeks ago, according to the deputy secretary of state.

The nation's top diplomat said that he would discuss the offer with the Russian foreign minister.

"Our government has communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal and I will use the conversation to follow up personally and I hope to move us towards a resolution."

The U.S. offer was not shared when asked by reporters.

He wouldn't give any details of the proposal that was made to the Russians over the course of so many weeks.

The arrest of Griner was described by the Biden administration as wrongful. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted after pleading guilty to drug charges.

The Olympian wrote a letter to Biden asking for help with her case.

Biden and Harris spoke with the player's wife after the letter was published.

According to a White House readout of the call, Biden reassured her that he was working to get her husband out of prison. He said on the call that he is trying to get the release of the man.

US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner stands inside a defendants’ cage before a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on July 26, 2022. 

President Joe Biden signed an executive order last week that expands the administration's tools to deter hostage-taking.

Financial sanctions and visa bans will be imposed on people involved in hostage-taking if a new executive order is approved.

A senior Biden administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the executive order reflected the administration's commitment to the families in particular.

The United States and Russia agreed to exchange prisoners in April.

Reed was accused of attacking a Russian officer and was taken into custody. He was sentenced to nine years in Russia. Reed and his family have always maintained his innocence.

For Reed's release, Biden agreed to free Yaroshenko, who was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States.

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