In response to the detention of WNBA star Britney Greener in Russia, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Sunday that the United States will “provide all possible assistance” to citizens detained in foreign countries.
“I have so much to say given privacy concerns at the moment,” Blinken said of Griner. “Whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world, we are, of course, ready to provide any possible assistance, including in Russia.”
He added: “We have an embassy team dealing with other Americans detained in Russia. We are doing everything we can to ensure that their rights are upheld and enforced.”
Blinken stated this at a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
Griner was detained in Russia after customs officials said hash oil was found in her luggage at an airport near Moscow in February.
Like many WNBA players, Griner played overseas during the winter months for a long time, most recently in Russia.
On January 23, the State Department issued an alert to Russia warning Americans against traveling to Russia due to “possibility of harassment of US citizens, limited embassy capacity to assist US citizens in Russia, COVID-19.” and related entry restrictions, terrorism, harassment by the Russian state security services, and the arbitrary application of local laws.”
On Saturday, nine days after Russia launched its military invasion of Ukraine, another “do not travel” warning was issued.
Griner, 31, spent nine seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, who lost in the WNBA Finals last October to Chicago. She won the championship with Mercury in 2014 and gold medals with the United States at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.