Potential negotiations for release of Griner in prisoner swap to be done privately, says the Kremlin

Discussions about a possible prisoner swap for Brittney Griner will only be allowed to take place behind closed doors, according to Russian officials. Griner's appeal of her 9-year sentence was denied on Tuesday by a Russian court. The former WNBA player pleaded guilty to the charges against her after vape cartridges with cannabis oil were found in her luggage when she arrived in Moscow in February. The United States has also asked Russia for a prisoner swap in exchange for American prisoner, Paul Whelan, who has also been jailed in Russia without a fair trial and sentence. On Wednesday, the Kremlin said any potential negotiations for a prisoner swap would have to be done quietly in the future.