The promising news for Griner is that Reid's release means there is still an open channel of communication between US and Russian officials, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine

Sources cautioned that Griner's case is far from resolved. Understanding his position means understanding the US law that determines how the government will respond, the Levinson Act.

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The Levinson Act was enacted with strong bipartisan support in December 2020, after both Reed and Whelan were taken into custody.

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Reid, who was accused of punching a police officer in Moscow, and Whelan, accused of espionage, were both prosecuted and convicted on those counts

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In the Reed and Whelan cases, experts have said that Russia wanted to trade for Russians who were languishing in US prisons, which happened after months of talks with Reid

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US officials, sensitive to the fact that Whelan and Griner are still in custody, also went on to clarify Wednesday that Reid's case was unique, largely because of his health problems.

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Brittney Griner

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