Brittney Griner, the 31-year-old US women's basketball star arrested in Moscow in February, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in the ongoing trial in the Russian capital.

"I wish to plead guilty to all charges, but I had no intention of violating Russian law," she said, after arriving in court in handcuffs and under escort. She couldn't have done otherwise, as she was found at the airport in possession of an e-cigarette and hash oil which is prohibited, even though she said she didn't know.

However, it is clear that the Russians are also using her as a pawn for an exchange of prisoners and to embarrass Joe Biden against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine . The Phoenix Mercury basketball player, who was in Russia to play in the American WNBA championship break, has been in prison for 5 months and faces up to 10 years in prison .

USA: "WE WILL FREE IT"

The hearing was also attended by US embassy officials, who gave her a letter from Biden, in response to the one she had written begging him to release her.

"We will not give up until all Americans unjustly detained are reunited with their families," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a commitment also reiterated by Biden, who phoned the basketball player's wife to assure her that he is working to secure his release. "as soon as possible".

The president was put under pressure and criticized by the girl's coach, Vanessa Nygaard: "We have to bring her home, she is afraid, she is an African American and gay woman in a Russian cell, if he had been Lebron James he would have already been released ".

THE CRYPTIC MESSAGE OF MOSCOW

Meanwhile, a cryptic message has arrived from Moscow: "The American attempts to stir up the clamor and make public noise are understandable, but they do not help to practically solve the case", warned Russian Deputy Minister Serghei Ryabkov. "What can help is the American consideration of the signals it receives from Russia ."

(Unioneonline / L)

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