Russia sought to swap ex-US Marine for 'assassin' held in Germany
The swap of Brittney Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout raised questions as to why the US side had failed to secure the simultaneous release of Paul Whelan, a former Marine accused by Moscow of spying.
Saudi prince made personal mediation efforts for Griner release, says foreign minister
Washington has denied any mediation, saying the talks were between the US and Russia.
US basketball star Griner freed in swap for Russian arms dealer
Viktor Bout, who was accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts, was detained in a US sting operation in Thailand in 2008, extradited to the US and sentenced in 2012 to 25 years behind bars.
US basketball star Griner's 9-year drug sentence upheld in Russia
Griner and her lawyers had asked for acquittal or at least a reduction in her sentence, which they said was disproportionate to the offence and at odds with Russian judicial practice.
