POLL: Should the US trade Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner?

For the "we should warn travelers to Russia" folks, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs has addressed this.
Russia Travel Advisory

Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19-related restrictions, and terrorism. U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions.

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited as a result of sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Limited commercial flight options and overland routes by car and bus are still open and available. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make arrangements on your own as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may suddenly become even more limited. U.S. citizens who are able to depart Russia for another country and are in need of emergency assistance upon arrival may contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel, the number of U.S. staff, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

 

It's really a shame that Russia sucks so much, particularly given its resources and other things it has going for it. I bet it would be a cool place to visit otherwise.

 

No?

 

We shouldn't ban all travel to Russia. Certain circumstances lead people to visit. Just a couple examples, visiting scholars and musicians. Why prohibit musicians from visiting a nation with some of the greatest symphonic musicians in the world?

 

For the same reason we banned travel to the Third Reich after they invaded Poland.

 

Because Russia will capture them and hold them hostage in an attempt to extort us? I would love for Russia to rejoin the world community, but right now they're essentially a rogue state. We can't allow them to take our folks prisoner to be used as geopolitical pawns in their empire-building efforts.

 

It’s everything you just said, and it’s also this: I don’t want Americans spending money in their restaurants, hotels, bars, museums, stores, etc. One way or another, that money ends up as taxes and feeds, even indirectly, the Russian war machine. If it was possible or realistic to stop all of our money from going into Russia even after it changed hands through another party, then I would be all for that, too.

 

We shouldn't ban all travel to Russia. Certain circumstances lead people to visit. Just a couple examples, visiting scholars and basketball players. Why prohibit basketball players from visiting a nation with some of the best paying teams in the world?

 

More leverage

 

I'm not sure, but think this was a tongue-in-cheek way of agreeing with me?

 

Yep. We shouldn’t trade a killer for someone who disrespects the American flag

 

You might be kidding, but I don’t think she will do much more “disrespecting of the flag” if she gets out of this mess. She has now seen what an actual oppressive state looks like. That sort of thing tends to give perspective.

 

Do you know why she “disrespects” the flag?

 

Don’t consider it relevant

 

A luxury she doesn’t have.

 

Do you know why she “disrespects” the flag?

Because she's a privileged, anti American, spoiled brat. Do the crime, serve the time.

 

Quality post from a quality person.

 

Some people disrespect our flag and some people disrespect our democracy. Which one are you?

 

You sound a little anti American to me.

 

Imagine calling an American Olympian who suited up to represent the country “anti-American” lol. Griner has accomplished more for this country than the brainless MAGA rubes trashing her