We are all watching the devastating attacks Russia is unleashing on Ukraine. We see the refugees fleeing across the border and mourn for the bodies that have been left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the invasion rages on and our concerns for the people of Ukraine continue, we must not forget about one specific person in Russia who is suffering and that we cannot directly help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WNBA star, Brittney Griner<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Phoenix Mercury player has been imprisoned in Russia for over a month due to her arrest on drug charges sometime in February<\/a> at Sheremetyevo Airport outside of Moscow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “A working dog from the Sheremetyevo Customs canine department detected the possible presence of narcotic substances in the accompanying luggage,\u201d said the Russian Federal Customs Service in a statement. \u201cThe customs inspection of the hand luggage being carried by the U.S. citizen confirmed the presence of vapes with specifically-smelling liquid, and an expert determined that the liquid was cannabis oil (hash oil), which is a narcotic substance.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, a criminal case against Griner for \u201cthe \u2018large-scale transportation of drugs” was opened and she faces 5-10 years in prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The public had no knowledge of her arrest until it was released to the world by the Russian-controlled state media on March 5th. Since that time, the U.S. government has acknowledged that they are in constant talks with Russian authorities concerning her release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But during a time when the United States and other allied countries are punishing Russia for their invasion of Ukraine through economic sanctions, Griner’s status as a hostage\/bargaining chip to be wielded against the U.S.<\/a> makes her a valuable asset for Russia.<\/p>