Biden and Putin discussed the Griner swap prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, indicated that US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, had discussed a swap prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.

“The issue of the mutual exchange of Russian and American citizens in detention on the territory of the two countries was at one time discussed by the presidents of Russia and the United States,” Zakharova said.

“They gave instructions to the relevant authorized structures to carry out negotiations. These are being conducted by the competent departments. A concrete result has not yet been achieved.”