Britney Griner released 12-08-2022

El Caliente said
Why should we not? Many of the restrictions placed on Russia are working, however several aren’t (or are slow to get the expected result). By lessening these sanctions that don’t work, you give Putin something to sell to his people (much like giving up Griner gave Biden something to sell to his).

I really doubt Putin would have traded Whelan for the lifting of whatever sanctions you're referring to that are not effective.

I personally would have had a much bigger issue with this if we were willing to help out Russia to that extent in order to secure the release of the two of them.