The Biden administration has offered an imprisoned Russian arms trafficker in exchange for the release of Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan from Russian captivity, CNN reported on Wednesday.
The White House has offered to release notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as the "Merchant of Death" and whose life served as inspiration for the Nicolas Cage flick "Lord of War," according to CNN.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged on Wednesday that the US made a "substantial proposal" to get the pair of Americans released a few weeks ago, but didn't confirm Bout was offered in a prisoner swap.
"In the coming days, I expect to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov for the first time since the war began," Blinken said. "I plan to raise an issue that's a top priority for us — the release of Americans Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner, who have been wrongfully detained and must be allowed to come home."
"Our governments have communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal," he continued, adding that he hopes to see a "resolution."
Griner, a WNBA superstar, was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport on February 17 after officials alleged she was traveling with vape cartridges containing hashish oil.
Whelan, a former US Marine, has been in Russian custody since 2019.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.