Family and friends describe painful uncertainty after WNBA superstar Brittney Griner's arrest in Russia

The arrest of WNBA superstar and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner over alleged drug charges in Russia has left family members, friends and supporters with little information about her well-being and anxious for her safe return.

And the heightened tension between the US and Russia over the latter's invasion of Ukraine means that a resolution may prove difficult to reach.

Griner's wife, Cherelle, wrote on Instagram on Monday, "People say 'stay busy.' Yet, there's not a task in this world that could keep any of us from wondering if you are safe.