WASHINGTON, Nov 3 US offers Russia alternatives for » moving forward» on the prisoner exchange, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday.
«I can tell you that in recent weeks, despite the lack of good faith negotiations with Russia, the US government has offered alternative options for moving forward (dialogue on prisoners) with the Russian side through all available channels,» Jean-Pierre said during a regular briefing.
She also confirmed that US diplomats visited basketball player Brittney Griner, who was convicted in Russia. Jean-Pierre said that her release, as well as the rescue of other convicted American citizens, remains one of the top priorities of the administration of US President Joe Biden.
The US administration says it has submitted a «serious» proposal to the Russian authorities, but did not receive consent. The deal, according to Washington's plans, should lead to the return to their homeland of Greiner and Paul Whelan, who is serving a 16-year sentence for espionage.
The US authorities do not specify what is being offered to Russia in return. According to media reports, it is about the release of businessman Viktor Bout, who was convicted in the United States for preparing a conspiracy to kill Americans and material support for terrorism. The Russian insists on his innocence. The Kremlin, according to media reports, allegedly requested another compatriot in order to conduct an exchange according to the «two for two» parity formula.