D Bone Posted July 27, 2022 Report Share Posted July 27, 2022 https://www.yahoo.com/news/rare-contact-us-offers-russia-183844201.html MATTHEW LEE and ERIC TUCKER Wed, July 27, 2022 at 11:38 AM WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday. In a sharp reversal of previous policy, Blinken also said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before Russia invaded Ukraine. The statement marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and testified Wednesday at her trial. Blinken did not offer details on the proposed deal, which was offered weeks ago, and it is unclear if it will be enough for Russia to release the Americans. But the public acknowledgment of the offer at a time when the U.S. has otherwise shunned Russia, reflects the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan and its determination to get them home. Blinken said Washington would like a response from Moscow. Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death,” who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons. Blinken said he had requested a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. U.S. officials said the the desire for an answer on the prisoner offer was the primary, but not only, reason that the U.S. on Wednesday requested the call with Lavrov. Should the call take place, it would be the first conversation that Blinken and Lavrov have held since Feb. 15, about a week before Russia invaded Ukraine. Blinken said he would also be speaking to Lavrov about the importance of Russia complying with a UN-brokered deal to free multiple tons of Ukrainian grain from storage and warning him about the dangers of possible Russian attempts to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine. Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan, was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison on espionage charges. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false. Griner, in Russian custody for the last month, acknowledged in court this month that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she arrived in Moscow in February but contends she had no criminal intent and packed the cartridges inadvertently. At her trial Wednesday, Griner said she did not know how the cannabis oil ended up in her bag but explained she had a doctor’s recommendation for it and had packed in haste. She said she was pulled aside at the airport after inspectors found the cartridges, but that a language interpreter translated only a fraction of what was said during her questioning and that officials instructed her to sign documents without providing an explanation. Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs. The U.S. government has long resisted prisoner swaps out of concern that it could encourage additional hostage-taking and promote false equivalency between a wrongfully detained American and a foreign national regarded as justly convicted. But an earlier deal in April, in which Marine veteran Trevor Reed was traded for jailed Russian pilot, Konstantin Yaroshenko, appeared to open the door to similar resolutions in the future and the Biden administration has been hounded with political pressure to bring home Griner and other Americans designated as unjustly detained. There was no indication that Blinken and Lavrov had communicated to secure Reed’s release. Their last publicly recognized contact was Feb. 22, when Blinken wrote to Lavrov to cancel a meeting they had planned as a last-ditch effort to avert the Russian invasion, saying Moscow had shown no interest in serious diplomacy on the matter. The State Department said later that Russia’s diplomacy was “Kabuki Theater” — all show and no substance. The two last met in person in Geneva in January to discuss what was then Russia’s massive military build-up along Ukraine’s border and Russian demands for NATO to reduce its presence in eastern Europe and permanently deny Ukraine membership. The U.S. rejected the Russian demands. Blinken and Lavrov avoided each other earlier this month at the next time they were in the same place at the same time: at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 nations in Bali, Indonesia. The two men will next be in the same city at the same time next week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they will both be attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. It was not immediately clear if the phone call ahead of that meeting, set for Aug. 4-5, would presage an in-person discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieHardBrownsFan1 Posted July 27, 2022 Report Share Posted July 27, 2022 I can see making a deal for Paul, but not Griner. She committed a crime and should pay. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calfoxwc Posted July 27, 2022 Report Share Posted July 27, 2022 Lesson learned, the hell with going to russia. Your apt to become a pawn one way or another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canton Dawg Posted July 28, 2022 Report Share Posted July 28, 2022 5 hours ago, DieHardBrownsFan1 said: I can see making a deal for Paul, but not Griner. She committed a crime and should pay. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calfoxwc Posted July 28, 2022 Report Share Posted July 28, 2022 let her "woke" over there in prison then. but the left is desperate to get back the black vote by any means necessary.... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
htownbrown Posted July 28, 2022 Report Share Posted July 28, 2022 So Griner and Whelan for the "Merchant of Death". A few years ago this would be considered collusion, but I'm sure Biden thinks he's swapping Cornpop for Brittney from Grindr and Captain Ahab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickers Posted July 28, 2022 Report Share Posted July 28, 2022 6 hours ago, htownbrown said: So Griner and Whelan for the "Merchant of Death". A few years ago this would be considered collusion, but I'm sure Biden thinks he's swapping Cornpop for Brittney from Grindr and Captain Ahab. Biden will probably award her a position in the Whitehouse human resources dept. LOL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kvoethe Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 Merchant of death for her? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickers Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 She's an asshole... Let her rot in a Gulag where she belongs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLD Woody Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 35 minutes ago, nickers said: She's an asshole... Let her rot in a Gulag where she belongs... Why is she an asshole? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickers Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 1 hour ago, MLD Woody said: Why is she an asshole? God you are DUMB! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westside Steve Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 Anybody remember the old Public Service ads warning people not to mess around with drugs and foreign countries? I believe the hook line was "when you're busted for drugs over there you're in for the hassle of your life." Maybe it's black privilege, if you have dark skin you think laws don't apply to you anymore. 😏 WSS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieHardBrownsFan1 Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 The fact that she is black, plus a lesbian and hates America is what made the decision. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLD Woody Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 1 hour ago, Westside Steve said: Maybe it's black privilege, if you have dark skin you think laws don't apply to you anymore. 😏 WSS Yeah that's definitely how our justice system works and I'm sure the stats would back that up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLD Woody Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 7 hours ago, nickers said: God you are DUMB! So nothing. Figures I think you need to get back to complaining acoit black coaches and black QBs anyway. Definitely no theme there.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westside Steve Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 26 minutes ago, MLD Woody said: Yeah that's definitely how our justice system works and I'm sure the stats would back that up... When 13% of the population commits half the violent crimes yeah. WSS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLD Woody Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 35 minutes ago, Westside Steve said: When 13% of the population commits half the violent crimes yeah. WSS That's not what that statistic shows and there are a whole other list of statistics regarding racial bias on or justice system.... But sure, whatever you want to believe 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickers Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 1 hour ago, MLD Woody said: So nothing. Figures I think you need to get back to complaining acoit black coaches and black QBs anyway. Definitely no theme there.... I think you need a full cranial lobotomy and need to be institutionalized... You are whats wrong in America.. And people like you... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieHardBrownsFan1 Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 47 minutes ago, MLD Woody said: That's not what that statistic shows and there are a whole other list of statistics regarding racial bias on or justice system.... But sure, whatever you want to believe You're hopelessly brainwashed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLD Woody Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 8 minutes ago, nickers said: I think you need a full cranial lobotomy and need to be institutionalized... You are whats wrong in America.. And people like you... You are maybe the worst poster on this board and that's saying something. In a world of grouchy old men you attempt to reign as king. Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calfoxwc Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 woodpecker - if there was an award for the worst poster, you would have your name on it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vambo Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 31 minutes ago, calfoxwc said: woodpecker - if there was an award for the worst poster, you would have your name on it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickers Posted July 29, 2022 Report Share Posted July 29, 2022 4 hours ago, MLD Woody said: You are maybe the worst poster on this board and that's saying something. In a world of grouchy old men you attempt to reign as king. Congrats. Says the ass hat that calls me rayciss... I have shown proof otherwise.. I have lived with Black people you MORON...... And here you are calling people the worst poster... The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLD Woody Posted July 30, 2022 Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 5 hours ago, nickers said: Says the ass hat that calls me rayciss... I have shown proof otherwise.. I have lived with Black people you MORON...... And here you are calling people the worst poster... The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem... Your posting history speaks for itself. End of story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axe Posted July 30, 2022 Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 17 minutes ago, MLD Woody said: Your posting history speaks for itself. End of story. As does yours. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calfoxwc Posted July 30, 2022 Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 when the worst poster has a long, long history of incessant, nonsense quibbling with fake, anti-everything stances, with zero respect for anything about America or anyone who disagrees with his? garbage'..... the pecking has a name. woodpecker. The award is well earned, woodpecker. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballpeen Posted July 30, 2022 Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 I don't get in to all of the name calling, but as Steve pointed out, no matter if the stats are correct or not, there is no doubt a small percentage of the population commits a disproportionate amount of the violent crime. As I see it, blacks have created a subculture and have no real intent from breaking out of that. The ones that do are called Uncle Toms. If they continue to feel that way, I have no real motivation to have any compassion for their plight. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westside Steve Posted July 30, 2022 Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 4 hours ago, ballpeen said: I don't get in to all of the name calling, but as Steve pointed out, no matter if the stats are correct or not, there is no doubt a small percentage of the population commits a disproportionate amount of the violent crime. As I see it, blacks have created a subculture and have no real intent from breaking out of that. The ones that do are called Uncle Toms. If they continue to feel that way, I have no real motivation to have any compassion for their plight. And frankly I think the responsibility for the balkanization of the entire race lies more at the feet of the Democrat Party, liberal white people who use it as a method for attaining power. And of course a few disingenuous greedy black leaders. WSS 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calfoxwc Posted July 30, 2022 Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 8 hours ago, ballpeen said: I don't get in to all of the name calling, but as Steve pointed out, no matter if the stats are correct or not, there is no doubt a small percentage of the population commits a disproportionate amount of the violent crime. As I see it, blacks have created a subculture and have no real intent from breaking out of that. The ones that do are called Uncle Toms. If they continue to feel that way, I have no real motivation to have any compassion for their plight. I think it is more like that subculture is a result of FDR's "new deal", along with lbj's "great society". The subculture ended up being "locked in" to dependency. It was a "big gov - we take care of you, vote for us to stay in office" deal. obaMao/biden did the same thing with obaMaocare, etc. But it also goes way farther back - to the days of the carpetbaggers and the scalywags. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpetbagger What they should have done - is to teach that subculture to fish, instead of just providing them with "fish", but instead, that subculture is still in poverty and dependency after all these many years. and I also believe, that a lot of that subculture is leaving that mindset, leaving the democrat party....and the democrat party is compensating by opening our borders to a new, huge subculture that they will have totally dependent on them, again, for their survival...and votes as a block. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballpeen Posted July 30, 2022 Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 3 hours ago, Westside Steve said: And frankly I think the responsibility for the balkanization of the entire race lies more at the feet of the Democrat Party, liberal white people who use it as a method for attaining power. And of course a few disingenuous greedy black leaders. WSS I agree. All the Dems have done for black people is keep them slaves. Slaves to the government cheese. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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