Griner's precarious situation has raised a number of concerns in the U.S. — including worries that publicizing her case and issuing loud calls for her release might only make her more valuable to Russia as a pawn.
National Organization for Women and National LGBTQ Task Force, recently wrote a letter to President Biden urging him to approach her case with urgency.
In early May, the Biden administration declared Griner to be wrongfully detained by Russia's government
signaling that the U.S. would get aggressive in the pursuit of her freedom and return home.
She's being held as a hostage, the U.S. said.
The State Department has said that the "Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs will lead the interagency team for securing Brittney Griner's release."
Russia has denied that characterization, insisting that it is only enforcing its drug trafficking laws.