Biden tells Brittney Griner's wife he is working to secure release from Russia

Rev Al Sharpton presses White House to arrange meeting between him and imprisoned Olympian

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  Phoenix Mercury centre Brittney Griner during the first half of Game 2 of the WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky. AP

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  Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil. AFP

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  Griner leaving a courtroom after a hearing in May. The Phoenix Mercury star, considered in some polls to be the US’s most gifted female athlete, could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. AP

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  Griner asked US President Joe Biden to free her from a Russian prison in a handwritten letter on July 4, 2022, portions of which were made public by her family. AFP

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  Grineris escorted before a court hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia on July 1, 2022. Reuters

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  The US stepped up its push in March for consular access to Griner, who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling. AP

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  Griner at the White House alongside teammates. Photo: US National Archives

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  Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with fans. Getty Images North America / AFP

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  A man holds a sign for Brittney Griner Home during the first half of the WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. EPA

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  Griner, a player of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury team was arrested in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after some hash oil was detected and found in her luggage, for which she now could face a prison sentence of up to ten years. EPA

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  Fans hold signs Griner during the first half of the WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. EPA

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  A sign for Griner is displayed during a game between Portland Thorns FC and Angel City FC at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images / AFP

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  The Khimki City Court reportedly had extended Greiner's detention for the duration of her trial on charges of drug smuggling that started on 01 July. EPA

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  Griner gestures during a game against Australia at Saitama Super Arena in their Tokyo 2020 Olympic women's basketball quarterfinal game in Saitama, Japan August 4, 2021. Reuters

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  Dallas Wings' Marina Mabrey wears shoes that have a "BG" logo on them, a reference to Brittney Griner, during the second half of the team's WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever, Thursday, June 23, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. AP

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  "We Are BG 42" is displayed on the exterior of Footprint Center before the WNBA game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx on June 21, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images / AFP

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  Minnesota Lynx's Aerial Powers wears a shirt in support of Griner during introductions for the team's WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm. Star Tribune / AP

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  Griner poses with her gold medal in Women's Basketball at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, August 8, 2021. Reuters

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  Brittney Griner with teammates Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins posing for pictures with their gold medals on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's basketball competition of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. AFP

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with the wife of American basketball star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February, the White House said on Wednesday.

The White House is facing increasing pressure from athletes and others to secure the two-time Olympic gold medallist's release.

"The president called Cherelle [Griner] to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other US nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world," the White House said.

"The president offered his support to Cherelle and Brittney’s family, and he committed to ensuring they are provided with all possible assistance while his administration pursues every avenue to bring Brittney home."

Griner, who was detained at a Moscow airport in February, was formally told last week that she had been charged with intentionally transporting drugs after cannabis vape oil was allegedly found in her bags.

The judge set her next hearing for Thursday.

A Russian judge said the basketball star may appeal or ask for clemency when a verdict is delivered.

The White House also confirmed that Mr Biden read the letter Griner sent to him this week, in which she pressed him to fight for her and other Americans detained abroad.

Griner goes up in the Women's Gold Medal Game, USA v Spain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2016. Reuters

Cherelle Griner has also publicly advocated for her wife's release, and the Rev Al Sharpton urged the White House to arrange a visit for him and other faith leaders to visit the detained basketball star.

"It's my intention to be in Russia next week, and I hope the White House will help to make it possible for me to do a clergy visit to … let her know that he family and everyone is concerned about her and to pray with her," Mr Sharpton told NBC.