WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden spoke Wednesday with the wife of the detained WNBA player, Britney Greinerwho is on trial in Russia, assured her that he was working to get Greiner free as soon as possible, the White House said.

Biden’s conversation with Greiner’s wife, Sheryl Greiner, came on the heels of Britney Greiner’s personal appeal to the president in a handwritten letter from the basketball player received by the White House on Monday. In her letter, Greiner acknowledged her fears of spending eternity in detention in Russia and asked Biden not to “forget me and the other American detainees.”

Greiner has been in custody for four months and is currently on trial in Russia for possession of e-cigarette cartridges containing cannabis oil.

“The President called Cheryl to assure her that he was working to secure the speedy release of Britney, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other American citizens being wrongfully held or hostage in Russia and around the world,” he said. …the notice. The White House said in a statement. He also read to you the draft of the letter the President sent to Britney Grenier today.

The White House said Biden offered his support to the family and pledged to make sure they get “every help possible” as the administration seeks to release Britney Greiner.

Greiner is in the midst of a trial in Russia that began last week after she was arrested on February 17 for possession of cannabis oil while returning to play for her Russian team. The trial is scheduled to resume on Thursday.

Less than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases have been acquitted, and unlike US courts, acquittals can be invalidated.