one of the biggest names in the wnba, brittney griner. >> brittney griner is one of the greatest players in the history of women's basketball. she is known for absolute dominati domination. >> reporter: now arrested and detained in russia. for more than two weeks most of the world had no clue. details of her case shrouded in mystery. this video released by russian customs, which appears to show the star player being stopped at a moscow airport. and this booking folto shown on russian state media last week are some of the few images we've seen of griner since she was taken into custody back in february. the 31-year-old was traveling when russian authorities say they found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. the situation playing out at a time when all eyes are on russia's ongoing war with ukraine, contributing to rising tensions with the west including the united states. >> whenever an american is detained anywhere in the world, we of course stand ready to provide every possible assistance. and that includes in russia. >> reporter: despite the u.s. gornment's commitment

amna: judy, brittney griner was arrested at a moscow airport, allegedly for possession of vape cartridgeswhich is illegal in russia. griner plays for a russian team during the wnba's off-season to earn more money. her detention wasn't disclosed for weeks, and u.s. officials have not been allowed to see her. griner is one of dozens of americans held by other governments, even as this week saw the release of two british citizens from iran, charity worker nazanin zaghari-ratcliffe and retired civil engineer anoosheh ashoori, freed after more than five years of detention. joining us to examine this all is jason rezaian, columnist for "the washington post." he was unjustly imprisoned in iran for 544 days before his release in 2016. jason, welcome to the "newshour." thank you so much for being with us. jason: my pleasure. amna: we should ask first about the case of these two british nationals. we've been seeing pictures they're sharing of their reunions with family, and a union with her young daughter gabriella as well. what should we understand about why they were released and why now? jason:

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government could apply to help release brittney griner from russia?i have been arguing a long time that what is termed wrongful or unjust detention is reel just foreign governments taking u.s. citizens hostage. in the case of brittney griner, it's hard to know if the algations against her have merit, but even if they do, it's a major red flag that he's been denied consular access and in the last 48 hours or so her detention extended through may. thesare all ways authoritarian governments e to present a vie - a veneer of a judicial process while they unjustly hold americans or citizens of other liberal democracies as political leverage against or governments here in the west. i'm worried that's the case here and i think that the approach that the u.s. government has taken to many of these similar cases, whether it's iran, russia, china, venezuela, these are the most common offenders of this particular kind of crime, has been rather a flat-footed approach and one that hasn't got us quick results of freeing americans who are imprisoned for no other crime

two-time olympic gold medalist, and wnba star brittney griner has now been detained in russia. russian customs officials said that the phoenix mercury star was arrested on suspicion of alleged drug trafficking. those officials claim they detected cartridges containing hashish oil, were found in her luggage at an airport near moscow. for more, let's go to the story with kimberly on this. kimberly, good to have you with us. so understand that britney has been in russian custody for weeks, but we just learned about this today. can you catch us up on how all of this unfolded. >> today, was the day we saw the video showing brittany going to the sheremetyevo airport, and we see a dog notices her luggage, and they have her check her luggage. so, from this video it looks like they're going through the cartridges. and, in another point, later on in the video, we see her signing documents. and we know we have no idea what these documents would say, or if brittney griner speaks or understands russian. but something beyond this, if you look at the original press service released, and they

brittney griner, who's a double olympic champion, was arrested at an airport in moscow last month afterlegedly found in her luggage. rachel galligan is a women's basketball analyst with the just womens sport website. she told me that news of the star's arrest was onlyjust begining to filter through. we have kept a not very private. news did not come up close to a month that she had beenin close to a month that she had been in there, and she had been there and was caught with cartridges of cannabis oil, going through the airport from new york and brittney griner has played with top russian club unnc since 2014. that is a pretty common thing to play professionally amongst women players, very experienced in russia. very unusual circumstances and honestly, many of the details are unknown.— many of the details are unknown. ~ , , , unknown. must be hugely frustrating, _ unknown. must be hugely frustrating, details - unknown. must be hugely frustrating, details are i unknown. must be hugely- frustrating, details are known because clearly we would like to know how she is and what will happen ne

this comes after reports that american basketball player brittney griner has been detained by russian customs officials. it is unclear exactly when this reported tension may have happened. and new warnings from russian president vladimir putin today. he is likening western sanctions to a declaration of war, and he is warning against the creation of a no fly zone, although president biden and nato have said repeatedly that a no fly zone is off the table. putin is also meeting with israel's neftali bennett. and new details on ukraine president's volodymyr zelenskyy virtual meeting with members of congress today. about 300 lawmakers attended that meeting, and zelenskyy promised he would stay and fight. and the steady flow of refugees continues along ukraine's border, fighting forcing people more to scuttle their families and their pets to safety. many crossing a bridge that had been bombed by ukrainian soldiers to slow the russians. new developments at home and overseas, we begin with josh lederman in brussels, he's got two big headlines as he joins us. right now, josh, the israeli prime

we claim brittney griner all the way. that's houston, texas.e are praying for her family, her wife, and i take issue with any family members who want to make a prayerful comment should be allow and the very fact that brittney's wife wants to speak for her. i support it in the way it's done and the way she wants to do it. we live in a democracy and we're fighting against autocracy. we're fighting against a vile, inhumane and immoral leader. a terrorist. that is what i call putin. so unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse. i believe all this may have even been orchestrated. i want to make sure her legal representation is able to do so in the most appropriate way possible, but jim, i frankly believe that this is going to have to be a combination of legal good work. lawyer was hired by her russian team. a team that loves her dearly. but it's also going to have to be, even in these difficult times, the work of a sovereign nation. she's a united states citizen. that's why i demanded for her release immediately and that's why i've provided the pr

the statement, we are aware of and closely monitoring the situation with brittney griner in russia. we remain in constant contact with her family, representation, wnba, and nba. we love and support brittney, and at this time our main concern is her safe, physical and mental health and her safe return home. here's a question, based on how things can work together, one thing causes the next, do you think the situation with brittney griner may have prompted the state department to invoke the warning saying to americans, get out of russia now? >> it very well may have. but remember, the embassy is quite decimated, there's been a number of tit for tat expulsions, an ambassador habd kicked ou embassy is in crisis. this might have been the last straw. it's important to publicize the case. that's the best thing that keeps her safe because russians have a tendency to not treat people well. >> if the embassy has been decimated and she is in custody, to whom does she turn for help under these circumstances, john. who can she go to? who can represent her? who can help extricate her? >> i'm sure

but we're also following breaking news in the arrest of wnba star brittney griner in russia.ning. >> just a few minutes ago a state department official told cnn that the department is insisting that the russias give access to brittney griner. we have new information on the conditions she's facing and on the possible length of her detention. her whereabouts inside of russia are unclear. and tonight it appears american basketball tar brittney griner wil will be held for two month months. a court has extended the arrest until may 19th according to the news agency tsa. we asked a chances of her being released that day. >> i'm afraid that on may 19th, they'll issue another delay. maybe they'll have her appear. if they want to make a bigger deal out of it. and get the media to take some pictures and elevate this issue farther. clearly it is not in the interest of her loved ones to have this elevated. but this is how the russians operate. >> she's been in custody since being arrested after her arrival at a moscow airport a few days before the war in ukraine began. russian authoritie

zone direction tha>> david, let me r thoughts quick on this brittney griner story. pretty significant. but can you talk to me about the history of russia using detainees as leverage? >> yes, as was mentioned, i think this is utter outrageous. brittney is innocent. paul we learn and trevor reed, the americans convicted fall sea of espionage are innocent as well. i was held captive by the taliban many years ago. what's changed since the war on terror, just in the last four or five years, is that americans being detained overseas, it was about 80% terrorists and insurgent groups five years ago. it's now 80 or 90% autocratic governments. this is what iran does. this is what north korea does. it's outrageous. it's wrong. it's shameful. it's another sign of putin's desperation. brittney griner is innocent. >> right, joel, david, stick around for. we have a lot more to discuss. still ahead, the public health crisis developing in ukraine. plus, the race to flee as russian troops push closer to major urban areas. >> when i was leaving, i had to take all of my life in these ba

wnba star brittney griner is being held on drug-related charges in russia.nth, according to reports after customs officials say they found cannabis oil in her luggage. griner is among several u.s. pro players who play in the russian league during the wnba off-season. here with us now, cnn sports analyst and sports columnist for "usa today" christine brennan. this news came as a shock to many. what more have you heard concerning the arrest, brittney griner's status right now and how she's doing? >> fredricka, there's great concern right now about this top wnba player, brittney griner. two-time olympic gold medalist. one of the great stars of the wnba and one of the most important female athletes in the country. i have talked to a couple sources and they said it's been a couple of weeks this has been going on. one source said since the nba all-star game which was two weeks ago today. whatever the case, it has been awhile. and the fact that -- >> really just hearing about it in the past 24 hours. >> well, exactly. and that is, of course, a concern. my sources h

i've had my share, man.♪ ♪i've been everywhere.♪ ♪ >>> new overnight, this photo of wnba star brittney grinerding a sign with her name on it. the two-time u.s. olympian was arrested and detained in russia on drug charges last month after russian custom officials say hash oil was found on her at an airport. joining us now is adora lonu who played in the wnba and most recently for a russian team. and mike cowan, women's professional basketball sports agent. thank you both for being with us. i know you can't see that video we just showed, but it is a picture of brittney griner holding up a piece of paper with her name apparently in police custody. how worried for her are you? >> i was extremely worried. i was actually very hopeful that it was just, you know, a hoax, false news being let out, but i'm just very, very concerned. also knowing she's been there for quite some time. i know she would definitely would like to be home with her loved ones as much as her family wanting her home. so it is not a situation that anyone would want to be in. >> you initially were not quick to leave russia. how di

citizens detain keys in russia, including those in pre-trial detention as brittney griner is.detainees and consistently denied access." russian officials found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage which could carry up to ten years in prison. she plays for a russian basketball team as a way to make extra money. her detention is extended to may 19th. joining know is jason rezaian, held hostage by the iranian government for 544 days. thank you for waking up early with us. >> thanks for having me. >> this all stems from a mid-february incident as we mentioned, at the moscow airport, they charge her with a large-scale transportation of drugs, potential of ten years in prison. you have firsthand experience of what it is actually like to be in this level of isolation. what is it like for her right now? what goes through your mind for her? >> well, first of all, i think there's so little that we know about the conditions that brittney griner is under. there's no reason that we should necessarily believe anything that russia puts out over the air waves. i fear she mig

here is an apparent photo of grind brittney griner used on russian tv.e that says the hope of american female basketball is pose income a police station with a sign with her sir name on it. congresswoman sheila jackson lee called on the russian government to release griner and joins me now. i understand ms. griner is originally from use district so you are speaking out on her behalf. i'm wondering if you have heard anything about the situation that she is in now? have you gotten any sort of feedback from the state department or anywhere else? >> well, first of all, joy, thank you for having me and being concerned. we love brittney griner, family members are there, coaches are there, and just all of her high school friends of course and look at her now. putin is a baby killer so it is very difficult to see how he would have compassion for this young woman. we know that in a few days, we may hear more detailed account from the state department because of some procedural matters that have now been cleared up. we do know she's detained but i also know that t

she's been working towards the release of wnba star brittney griner. s griner was detained for possession of vapor trudges, containing hashish oil. the next guest jason rezaian was a former hostage in iran for nearly two years, and his latest piece for the washington post details his concerns for the wnba star. he aims that the american government's response. jason is the global opinions columnist for the washington post, and then executive producer on the film, bring them home, a documentary on wrongful detentions. jason, thank you so much for being with us. i saw your piece, and i knew i wanted to talk to you. why are you so critical of the u.s.'s response? >> well, alicia, thanks for having me on. i think i'm critical of the u.s. government's response, and also the eu response. i've seen a lot of people take the approach that she -- when you read the headlines, she says, charged with possession of drugs. i'm not concerned with the charge, but i am concerned with fellow american citizen, a very high profile one, was apparently been denied her consular

brittney griner has played with a top russian club since 2014 and thatis russian club since 2014 anden's possible players to play professionally so experienced in russia. unusual circumstances. honestly, a lot of the details are unknown.— are unknown. that must be hu:el are unknown. that must be hugely frustrating - are unknown. that must be hugely frustrating because | are unknown. that must be i hugely frustrating because we would want to know what is going to happen next but not much of a that either? ho. going to happen next but not much of a that either? no. hard to sa . much of a that either? no. hard to say. speculation _ much of a that either? no. hard to say. speculation over - much of a that either? no. hard to say. speculation over here i to say. speculation over here primarily in the states as to whether this arrest is politically motivated or if she were specifically targeted. speculation, there is no proof to any of that. we don't even know where she is. she is believed to be moscow but a primary location is unknown so, they said before, those details have been very dif

brittney griner is a first high profile american detained by russian authorities as tensions mounted on ukraine. it's unclear how brittney griner has been in custody "new york times" moscow in february the customs released a video to show going through security a person removing a package out of her bag. a statement russian officials reportedly say that an american basketball player was detained after those vape cartridge were found in her luggage. if russian authority to determine that brittney griner is guilty of transporting drugs she could face up to ten years in prison and russia. >> it is a concern. as you know right now there is a plane flying from russia to the united states where they want to take up their diplomats and take them home. they better be very careful how they treat any of our citizens over there because we have their citizens here. and so it is a concern for going to watch very closely and hold them accountable. >> today the u.s. state department update its travis advised that u.s. citizens should leave russia immediately. phoenix mercury star britney greiner is

>> the spokesperson says they are working diligently on brittney griner's case. the release of reed and whalen. they're being held unjustified and wrong charges, this is something that they are actively working on. concern over these americans is growing. brittney griner has been held on drug charges and the russians have not indicated how long their investigation could last. spokesperson said she was detained up every 17th. we will have to see how this plays out. >> thank you so much. i have to say your interview the ukrainian mp, and amazing resilient inspiration of what they are facing and knowing what they see compelling for the world. >> the unity is infectious. i want to remind everyone red redcross.org. glory to ukraine, thank you so much for watching ♪ ♪ >> rockets rained out in ukraine as russian forces push closer to the capital city of kyiv. i am jackie deangelis along with griff jenkins, rachel duffy and

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despite the danger, they are longing to be back home again. >>> the wife of brittney griner is offering thanks to those supporting griner who's in russian custody. surveillance video shows griner at an airport where she was detained. authorities say they found vape cartridges with hashish oil. u.s. diplomats are working on griner's case. >>> now more than 300 haitian immigrants were rescued off key largo, florida. nearly half tried to swim ashore and many needed medical attention. in january about 100 haitian migrants made landfall in the same area. >>> a security breach caused a lockdown of joint base andrews moments after the vice president and her husband left the facility. officials say a vehicle carrying two people drove through a checkpoint sunday night, ignoring commands from security personnel. a vehicle was eventually stopped and investigators say both suspects tried to run. one was caught and arrested. investigators say the person had a weapon but no shots were fired. the other is still on the loose. >>> and coming up, remembering two celebrities passing over the weekend. >>>

well, there is growing concern for brittney griner, the u.s.s been detained in russia since last month on drug charges. russian state media say this picture shows the wnba star at a russian police station, but very little else is known about her case, including how long she has been detained and her current whereabouts. russian authorities say they found cannabis oil in her luggage at a moscow airport. she faces up to ten years in prison. u.s. officials say it will be very difficult to secure her release as there are no diplomatic channels right now due to russia's invasion of ukraine. and that is raising fears moscow might try to use griner as a political pawn. journalist cameron sprole created a change.org campaign to try to secure griner's release. she joins me now from boston. thank you so much for being with us. >> hi, rosemary. thank you for having me. >> so wnba star brittney griner arrested and detained under drug charges in russia, potentially faces ten years in prison, and there is of course concern she'll be used as a pawn in the mid

brittney griner was arrested in russia on drug charges.e latest on this. andy, what is the latest? >> reporter: well, john, it's a serious situation. brittney griner could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. this obviously a terrible time to be an american arrested in russia. a seven-time wnba all-star and gold medal for team usa plays in the off-season for russia where many players go to earn more money. according to the customs said they arrested greiner after they found vape cartridges campaigning cannabis oil. we found out over the weekend when the "new york times" broke the story. griner has been detained for a while. her wife said i love her wholeheartedly. this comes during one of the weakest moments of my life. i understand that many of you have grown to love bg over the years and have concerns and want details. please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. >> there's only so much i can say given privacy considerations at this point. let me just say more generally whenever an american is de

. >>> brittney griner's detention in russia was just extended. how much more time she's facing and why. >>> plus, that american killed in ukraine while trying to care for his sick partner. we'll remember james whitney hill next. . i like that the ww personalpoints plalan is built just for me. get started for just $5 a month at ww.cocom hurry! offer ends march 21st. with mucinex nighthtshift you'e got powerful relief from your worst nighghttime cod and flu symptoms. so grab nightshift to fight your symptoms, get your zzz's... and get back to your rhythm. feel the power. beat the symptoms fast. trelegy for copd. [coughg] ♪ birds flyin' high, you know how feel. ♪ ♪ breeze driftin' on by... ♪ if you've been playing down your copd,... ♪ it's a new dawn, it's a new day,... ♪ ...it's time to make a stand. start a new day with trelegy. ♪...and i'm feelin' good. ♪ no once-daily copd medicine... has the power to treat copd in as many ways as trelegy. with three medicines in one inhaler, trelegy helps people breathe easier and improves lung function. it als

we're also following a long-awaited update on american wnba player brittney griner detained in russiaormation. what are you learning? >> reporter: state department officials will only say brittney griner is in, quote, good condition, but they're offering virtually no other details. tonight analysts are worrying about her longer-term prospects in russian custody. for the first time since her arrest andism prisonment in russia in mid february, american basketball star brittney griner has been able to meet with a u.s. official. the state department's top spokesman today telling reporters an official from the u.s. embassy in moscow was granted access to greiner. >> she's doing as well as can be expected under these very difficult circumstances. we'll continue to work very closely with her legal team, with her broader network to see to it that she is treated fairly and that her rights are respected. >> reporter: u.s. officials are not saying where greiner is being held or providing specific details on the conditions she faces in russian custody. >> the actual physical conditions of life in

the latest on wnba star brittney griner still jailed in russia. the u.s. claims russia is stonewalling american diplomats from meeting with griner. what we're learning about her situation this morning. >>> breaking overnight, moderna going further than pfizer requesting authorization for a fourth shot for all adults. plus, will the new omicron variant become dominant? this morning incoming covid-19 response coordinator dr. jha joins us live. >>> investigators say a 13-year-old was driving the pickup truck in that head-on collision in texas that killed nine people. >>> extreme cross-country weather. wildfires in texas, a blizzard overnight in kansas. ginger is tracking the severe storm on the move putting at least 30 million americans on alert. >>> royal reckoning. the bbc now paying princess diana's former private secretary a substantial sum and apologizing as a result of the bombshell 1995 interview. what he's saying this morning. ♪ >>> amazon shaking things up. >> name's bond, james bond. >> what the new multibillion dollar deal means for the future of t

state department is pressing the russian government for access and information about wnba star brittney grinerntion. >> reporter: her whereabouts are unclear and now it appears american basketball star brittney griner will be held by vladimir putin's regime for at least two more months. a court in moscow extended griner's arrest until may 19th according to the russian state news agency tass. we asked a former top u.s. official about the chances of griner actually being released that day. >> i am afraid that on may 19th, they'll issue another delay. maybe, they'll have her appear if they want to make a bigger deal out of it. um, and get the media to take some pictures and elevate this issue farther. clearly, it's not in the interest of her loved ones to have this elevated. but this is how the russians operate. >> reporter: griner's been in custody since being arrested after her arrival at a moscow airport a few days before the war in ukraine began. russian authorities say she had cannabis oil in her luggage, discovered by a k-9 team. they have accused griner of smuggling significant amount of n

wnba star brittney griner was detained last month over allegation ship cannabis oil at her luggage atything going on that they are going to be another casualty of this process. just think about this it was tom brady, russell wilson it would be headlines people think about how do we get her back? >> have gotten a taste of what vladimir putin is like with his cruel and unprovoked invasion of ukraine. and targeting innocent civilians pre-doesn't really care anything about the people involved or their families. >> democratic congressman says he is working with the state department to try and get brittney griner back home. >> she was detained on the 17th at the moscow embassy has requested counsel are accessed are the same they would for any american that has been detained or incarcerated abroad. that is not been granted now for over three weeks. that is extremely unusual and extremely concerning. >> very concerning to her family and friends due to privacy considerations the state department is not giving specifics on griner's situation. they said they do provide every possible assistance

whole wide world ♪ ♪ i'd go the whole wide world ♪ ♪ >>> new overnight, this photo of wnba star brittney grinersion. it shows griner reportedly at a russian police station holding a sign with her name on it. the two-time u.s. olympian detained in russia on drug charges. it happened last month. thousands now signed a petition demanding her release. rosa flores live in houston. >> reporter: good morning, john. brittney griner's arrest left her family in this agonizing wait and the public with very little information. now, thanks to our colleague cnn correspondent lucy kaf nay who speaks up, she was able to dig up this russian state tv report where we see that mug shot of griner. now, this report has a little bit more information, not a lot. what we do know based on this report is that that photograph was taken at a russian police station, but it does not include a date. we still do not know when grinor was arrested. we don't know if she's been arrested or days or weeks. what we do know is that according to russian officials, she allegedly was carrying cannabis oil at the airport. now, that russia

that's exactly what's happened with brittney griner here.ng. vladimir putin has done this in the past with an israeli citizen, who took charges about smuggling drugs in their luggage. and he wanted to trade that citizen for a russian hacker who israel had detained, and they have already sent that russian hacker over to the u.s. in exile. so, this is a thing that they do. it's unclear if this is what happened in this case yet. we simply don't know yet. but i can tell you right now, we're getting information that situation is going to be hard to come by. except these official channels. >> bobby, are we in a new cold war with russia? and i mean in this new cultural space, where we're seeing calls for russian athletes, and you know, russia to be boycotted. we're seeing members of congress here introduce legislation to call on a divestment of russian companies, the sanctioning of a government. are we entering a new era? the russian foreign minister put out a statement for the russian embassy, warning people of russia phobia. and they're gonna be

cn's lieu vi kavanaugh has the story for us. >> wnba star brittney griner in her own words.laying basketball off season in russia. >> it made me open up to my family more on telling 'em like how much i love them. >> reporter: those lessons now more grim as griner seen here at the airport entering russia is detained at a security checkpoint for allegedly having can cannabis oil in a vape pen. the video and details zwrukt emerging but russian customs fibers say the arrest happened in february. a criminal case has been opened with a possible punishment up to ten years in prison, if convicted. all of this against the backdrop of war. >> they are really like your second family. >> debbie jackson coached griner at a houston high school. kuling her disciplined and humble. jackson isn't surprised griner went on to become a seven-time wnba all star in phoenix and two time olympic gold medalist. her message now for her former student? >> you have always had a true resolve and grit to get to the finish line. and know that you will get to the finish line. >> reporter: griner's wife on i

meanwhile, a great deal of concern for brittney griner's health and well being, iranian journalist telling, it appears to be the most audacious hospice taking by a state imag imaginable, calling for griner's release and release of other american citizens held in russia on twitter. spent 244 days unjustly held in prison by russia. >>> thank you, we'll be back in just a moment on ukraine for more of the breaking news coverage. inner voice (kombucha brewewer: as a new small business owner, i find it t useful to dramaticay stare out of the window... ...so that no one knows i'm secretly terrified inside. inner voice neaker shop owner): i'm using hand gestures and pointing... ...so one can tell i'm unsure about my business finances. inr voice (furniture maker): i'm constantly nodding... ...but with the business side... ...i'm feeling a lite lost. quickbooks can help. an easy way to get paid, pay your staff and know where your business stands. new business? no problem. yeah. success starts with intuit quickbooks. >>> and welcome, joining us in the united states and all around the world, i'm micha

and amid reports that russian officials have detained 31-year-old american basketball player brittney griner. the customs service saying hashish oil vape cartridges were found inside her luggage. griner's agent now speaking about her detainment in russia. we're going to have more on that in just a bit. >>> also, putin's threats against the west reaching new heights today, saying any declaration of a no-fly zone over ukraine would be taken as a, quote, participation in the armed conflict by the kremlin. a short time ago, president volodymyr zelenskyy on a bipartisan call with u.s. congress members pleading, again, for the consideration of a no-fly zone, stressing barbaric murders of his country's civilians at the hands of russian. meanwhile, israeli prime minister neftali bennett meeting with putin today for three hours and israeli government official telling nbc news that bennett coordinated with the u.s., germany, and france before that meeting, coming just hours after ukraine's deputy prime minister announced russia had violated its temporary cease-fire agreement, briefly put in place so c

. >> ned, before you go, as of right now, u.s .s basketball st brittney griner remains under arrest. customs officers say they allegedly found vape cartridges with hash oil in her carry-on. i should note russia has a history of making false charges. have you been in contact with russian officials on griner's detention most recently? are there any updates you can share? >> well, poppy, as you know, our ambassador was summoned to the russian ministry of foreign affairs on monday where in response to russia's message to him he delivered a very clear and candid message that we expect consular access to detained americans in line with russia's international obligations, under the vienna convention and bilateral agreements on consular access to detained americans, including to those americans like brittney griner who are in pretrial detention. what i can tell you is that within the past couple of hours, an official from our embassy has been granted consular access to brittney griner. we were able to check on her condition, we will continue to work very closely with her legal team, with her

sir, we have wnba star brittney griner.s foot this the airport. he says let's do it. she becomes a hostage so to speak. this is going to be a long haul for brittney griner. >> interesting to think about the story from the intelligence angle. frank figliuzzi, as always, thank you for making time for us. we have breaking news to report from ukraine. moments ago, we learned that there will be negotiations between ukraine and russia in less than 12 hours. the state border guard service of ukraine saying both sides will begin talks at 4:30 a.m. eastern time. that is about nine hours from now. we're going bring you more as we get it. after this break, another example of how putin's attack on democracy is backfiring, helping reinforce america's relationship with europe. >>> and later, ukraine's leaders sent another ask for help to the west. a number of ukraine's parliament laying out why america and others should take a stronger stand against russia. . >> the west wants to think that this is the war of russia against ukraine, but

be a wrath. >> our thanks there to darrell blocker. >>> there's growing concern that wnba star brittney grinere used as a pawn by vladimir putin. griner was arrested at a russian airport for allegedly carrying vape cartridges with cannabis oil. she plays in russia during the off-season. experts say she is likely to stay in custody as long as the russians find her useful. >> vladimir putin will try to use her to get something from the west. i don't think he will succeed because we don't generally bargain with the lives of american citizens. >> griner is one of at least three americans detained in russia. >>> coming up, a faster way to charge your phone. >>> also ahead, batman soars to new heights. want more restful sleep? nature's bounty gives you more with sleep3. the first ever triple action sleep supplement with 3 unique nighttime benefits to help you get a great night's sleep and wake feeling refreshed. live bountifully. nature's bounty. look at these mighty quaker oats... small in size, epic in taste. heart-healthy. a good source of fiber. and provides lasting energy. there's no denying de

let's turn to moscow where wnba star brittney griner will be held in jail at least another two months according to russia state media. griner was seen entering court today the first public appearance since her arrest last month for alleged i having cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage. she played in russia during part of the off season. on the covid front in washington, the prime minister of ireland had to miss st. patrick's day celebrations with president biden after the leader tested positive. >> reporter: today, thousands of people lined up along new york citi' famed fifth avenue to celebrate st. patrick's day without covid restrictions. >> it's been two years of us doing it virtually or close family and now w luc of the irish will bring more festive scenes like this, covid cases are rising in china and across europe where some places have also relaxed some covid mandates. >> europe has trended about three to four weeks ahead to have the u.s. in terms of its covid patterns, and in the u.s. we're already seeing an increase in the amount of covid in the waste water which would als

cnn's rosa flores has reaction from griner's hometown of houston. >> it's hard for anybody, i'm sure, that knows brittneyallege she had cannabis oil in her luggage at moscow's international airport. >> what's your biggest fear? >> my biggest fear is that this will become -- that she'll be a political pawn. >> reporter: griner's high school coach, debbie jackson, says the current phoenix mercury center, two-time olympic gold medalist and seven-time wnba all-star has the skills to overcome this episode. >> she's going to fight to the end, i have no doubt. she'll be determined to keep on fighting. >> reporter: griner's wife taking to instagram today saying my heart, our hearts are all skipping beats every day that goes by. i miss your voice. i miss your presence. there are no words to express this pain. griner, who plays with a russian team during the wnba off-season remains in custody. the statement from russian custom officials not saying how long she's been detained nor the conditions she's being held in. >> i've talked to a couple of sources and they said it's been a couple of weeks that this has been g

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wnba star brittney griner was arrested at an airport in moscow because airport officials found hash oil in her bag. a lot of people are raising questions about this. given the current state of affairs in eastern europe. tom negovan has that story. >> emotional instagram posts over the weekend from griner. thankful for all the support, please honor our privacy. she writes as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely, there's a petition at change dot org support for the wnba star growing by the hour. officials in russia releasing airport security video. the interfax news agency reporting that as the 31 year-old was passing through the airport near moscow of a pen and cartridges containing hash oil were found with the help of a drug-sniffing dog griner's high school basketball coach saying what a lot of americans are thinking. >> you just don't know what to believe. there's so many different things. you don't know what's true. what's false? >> tonight, statements from her team. the wnba is phoenix, mercury and usa basketball, which says it's closely monitoring the legal situation,

liberty. ♪ >>> we're following the latest developments on wnba star brittney griner, who has been detainedwas detained for possession of vape cartridges containing hasheesh oil. alicia menendez spoke with opinion writer for the "washington post" and former hostage in iran for nearly two years. he details his concerns for the wnba star while taking aim at the american government's response. here is some of that interview. >> as soon as the russian government puts out images and news of her arrest, they've been taking control with this narrative. and i think the u.s. government, you know, while i am sure they are working diligently to try and win her release, my concern is that in the past, we've taken a flat footed approach to these kind of cases. mine is one example. and many others that have followed. >> to a point you've made, there are a lot of unanswered questions about her detention at this point. what is your greatest concern for her? >> well, i think first and foremost, her legal rights. i -- i understand that she has access to her lawyer in russia. but the fact that she hasn't been

i wanted to ask you about brittney griner. because russians say they're going to hold her until may 19th. you've been trying diplomacy to get her out. this has to be disappointing. >> andrea, every time an american citizen is detained anywhere in the world, we spring to action to provide assistance. that's precisely what we did in this case. we've been in close continuous contact with brittney griner's team, the wnba and others. we have not yet been granted consler access. at our embassy in moscow, they've not yet been able to visit brittney griner. russia has an obligation to allow our officials to see her. we're going to continue to press for that, continue to see to it that russia lives up to its international obligations. all the while we're going to do everything we can to see to it that her rights are respected. >> thank you so much. see you shortly within the hour. at the state department. thank you. and let's go to the white house and peter alexander, host of "weekend today." we just heard from slovakia, the s 300s are

brittney griner, a two-time olympic gold medalist, taken into custody at an airport near moscow. russian authorities saying a search of her luggage found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. under russian law, griner could face ten years in jail. the russian customs service, releasing this video, showing a woman who appeared to be griner, going through security. you can see someone removing a package from the woman's bag. the 31-year-old fee mix mercury star's agent releasing a statement, saying in part, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case, but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern. tonight, the wnba saying griner has their full support, and our main priority is her swift and safe return to the united states. the state department says they are aware of griner's arrest. they say any time a u.s. citizen is arrested overseas, they stand ready and ready to provide anything they can to help. whit? >> all right, zohreen with those late developments, thank

. >>> russia claims they found on brittney griner. what's being done to get her home safely. >>> plus a video taken earlier today of american sanctions at work. there was one exception today at dulles in d.c. u.s. officials approving a charter flight to get russian u.n. mission personnel who are expelled out of the country. >>> also ahead, diplomacy at work from israel to france. world leaders are working to deescalate putin's attract on ukraine. former ambassador to ukraine on if it can be done. and the ukrainian president, who he most needs to talk to. >> i think i have to talk with putin. the world has to talk with putin because there are no other ways to stop this war. many challenge. ♪ your dell technologies advisor can help you find the right tech solutions. so you can stop at nothing for your customers. i brought in ensure max protein, with thirty grams of protein. those who tried me felt more energy in just two weeks! (sighs wearily) here i'll take that! (excited yell) woo-hoo! ensure max protein. with thirty grams of protein,

so brittney griner is originally from your district in houston, and your colleague, texas congressmanms. griner's release, said this week there has been some correspondence between griner's lawyer in russia and her family here in the united states. what can you tell us? >> reverend, thank you for having me and thank you for your enormous concern. it's important and i think it's vital to brittney's survival, if you will. as you well know, she grew up here in houston, her family is here. we are collectively from different cities in texas working very hard. i was pulled, if you will, called, moved, to immediately demand for brittney to be released when the news first came to the united states' attention. but what is going on now is, and where my focus is, is with the administration, the president, and of course the state department. we expected the state department should be able to see and talk to brittney in the next couple of days. our last conversation was, we're hoping it would be over the weekend. what many people don't know is that they really weren't denied the right to see her.

we do have some new details that are emerging on brittney griner's arrest in russia.w with more on this is congressman collin allred on the foreign affairs committee. sir, can you shed some light on the latest that you know about brittney griner, so many people are paying attention to her plight right now. >> good morning, brianna. we know that as you said she was detained on the 17th at the moscow embassy has requested consular access to her. the same way they would for any american who has been detained or incarcerated abroad. and that has not been granted now for over three weeks. and so that's extremely unusual, and extremely concerning, the fact we have not had official government contact with her to help her through this process. she is in touch with her russian lawyer, who is helping us understand her situation and working through the legal process. but the fact that our embassy has not been granted the normal access we would expect is very, very concerning. >> what is he saying about her condition, about what she is saying, and what is he saying about where sh

basketball player brittney griner. the two-time wnba all star under arrest in russia, facing a drug charge. now the timing of her arrest is raising questions this morning. now abc's zohreen shah joins us with more from los angeles. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, gio. secretary blinken speaking out about this recent incident this morning just hours ago saying any time an american is detained anywhere in the world they stand ready to help. all this coming as the state department is urging american citizens to get out of russia. this morning the u.s. state department telling all u.s. citizens to depart russia immediately amid heightened tensions. it's an increasingly urgent message with american officials saying they're severely limited on helping u.s. citizens who choose to remain in russia. wnba star and two-time gold medalist brittney griner caught in the crosshairs of those tensions. the state department saying they're aware of her arrest. video released by russian customs showing a woman appearing to be the

two-time was olympic medalist, brittney griner, is detained.nderway to get her back home safely. when we know from nbc news is correspondent, katie back. corresat >> the current time, te are more questions than answers in the brittney griner case. what we know is that she has been detained since the security checkpoint stop and that was in the month of february. we don't know if that was days ago or weeks ago, or when, if at any point, she will be released. we know she's being criminally investigated for a trafficking after they found those cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. but we don't know how expeditious the process will be to get her court hearing or if any of that will be made public. the wnba spokespeople as well as her agents and family have all expressed deep concern and support. they say they are closely in contact with her and trying to be as expeditious as they can to get her home safely. they say her health and well-being is their top priority and they love and support her. now, we don't know she was actually coming

has finally been able to meet with griner in person. >> the consular officer who visited with brittney grinercircumstances. >> reporter: the state department says it's pushing for more access to griner and other americans detained by russia griner, when plays center for the phoenix mercury is a seven-time all star and two-time olympic gold medalist, and for several years, she's also played in russia, a common thing in the off-season by wnba players who can earn a lot more money overseas in russia, big-name players can bring in four times the maximum wnba base salary russian officials stopped griner last month at an airport near moscow and accused her of having cannabis oil vape cartridges in her luggage. >> we don't know whether she actually did bring these, you know, hash vaping items into russia or not. the russians are notorious for planting drugs and other things on americans >> reporter: news of griner's arrest surfaced just days after russia launched its violent invasion against ukraine and comes as the u.s. has already been working to free two former marines from russian custody, paul

marine who is being detained in russia has taken a downward turn and basketball star brittney grinerys it is working diligently on her indication. new concerns tonight about the fates of three americans being detained in russia. basketball scar brittney griner, we are now learning, has been held for three weeks, since february 17th, according to her hometown congressman colin allred. she's had no access to anyone from the u.s. government, he says. it's not even clear where griner is being held. >> she should be able to come home and not be swept up in this larger conflict that is happening. >> reporter: griner was arrested in a moscow airport with what officers say was cannabis oil, they accused her of smuggling narcotics. they are worried the two-time olympic medalist star as an athlete could work against her, as is her sexual orientation. she is gay and married. russia has strict lbgtq laws. >> what i expect russians to use the fact that her survive making public statements. these are being reported in the media and social media of prop began diz propagandaization rig. that could b