Griner, Brittney – Page 9

C.I.A. Director Warns Russian Counterpart Against Using Nuclear Weapons

William Burns’s talks with Russia’s foreign intelligence chief are the most senior in-person meetings since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The basketball player’s case has become part of a geopolitical struggle between Russia and the United States.

The former New Mexico governor advised the family of one American freed from Russia and says he can help Ms. Griner and Mr. Whelan.

The W.N.B.A. athlete is facing nine years in a Russian prison on a drug charge. A prisoner swap may be her only path home.

If the appeals court won’t overrule Ms. Griner’s verdict, it will come into force and she will be sent to a penal colony.