After Biden Meeting, Brittney Griner's Wife Recalls 'Grueling 7 Months'

The families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, U.S. citizens detained in Russia, pushed for their loved ones' release during separate meetings with President Joe Biden on Friday. But relatives said that each passing day still feels like a "waiting game."

Paul Whelan is a former U.S. Marine imprisoned in Russia after being arrested in 2018 on espionage charges. His sister, Elizabeth Whelan, called the opportunity to meet with Biden "an exceptional honor," and she promised to continue advocating for her brother and "all other Americans wrongfully detained."

"Hostage-diplomacy is a national security as well as a humanitarian issue," she wrote to Newsweek. "When hostile foreign nations take Americans and hold them as pawns, we must work together with vigor to reunite those wrongfully detained with their families, and deter these countries from continuing this malign practice."

Paul's twin, David Whelan, wrote to Newsweek that the family is in the midst of a "waiting game." If the Russian government refuses to release his brother, he's unsure of what next steps to take—but said they'll "keep working for Paul's freedom."

Cherelle Griner also met with Biden on Friday to discuss the White House's push to free her wife, WNBA star Brittney Griner. In an Instagram post over the weekend, she thanked the president for his administration's efforts.

"It was an honor to speak with him directly about the Brittney we know and love. I've felt every minute of the grueling seven months without her. I look forward to the day my wife is back home," Cherelle Griner wrote in the post, which included a photo of her smiling while standing next to the president.

Last month, Brittney Griner was slapped with a nine-year prison sentence after she was found guilty by a Russian court of "drug smuggling with criminal intent," Newsweek previously reported. Attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters at the time that Griner was "very upset" following her sentencing, so much so that she could "hardly talk."

After the meetings on Friday, the Biden administration issued a statement classifying the detainment of Whelan and Griner as "wrongful." Biden also reportedly inquired about the family members' well-being and emphasized his mission to return their loved ones to U.S. soil.

"The President appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Brittney and Paul from those who love them most, and acknowledged that every minute they are being held is a minute too long," the White House's statement read in part.

Newsweek reached out to the White House, Maria Blagovolina and Cherelle Griner for comment.