UPDATE: U.S. state department changes Brittney Griner's status to 'wrongfully detained'

By Mona Austin

Alas, there is hope to free Brittney Griner (#freebritneygriner) after 2-months of aimless waiting. Earlier this week, the U.S. state department determined that Griner was wrongfully detained by the Russian Federation. This gives the U.S. some leverage to fight for her release with it being politically detached from the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Press Secretary Jenn Psaki told The Slice in Wednesday's White House briefing, "Our focus is on bringing her home. We are going to undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to her."

The recent release of U.S. Marine Trevor Reed gives further assurance that Griner too can return to the states. Presidentially appointed envoy, hostage specialist Roger Carson will lead an interagency team for her release.