American Basketball Star Brittney Griner Freed In US-Russia Prisoner Swap

American basketball player Brittney Griner was freed from a Russian prison in a prisoner swap, with the U.S. releasing international arms dealer Viktor Bout. TURAN's Washington correspondent reports from the White House.

“Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner,” President Biden said addressing the media.

“This is a day we worked for a long time,” Biden said, adding that Griner is safe. "She is on a plane. She is on her way home.” Biden said Griner will be back home within the next 24 hours.

Biden thanked the UAE.  “This has been hell” for Griner and her family, he added.

Cherelle Griner, Brittney's wife, expressed gratitude to the president, VP, Secretary Blinken, Jake Sullivan and others.

Biden also assured that Paul Whelan is still a priority.

Griner was first detained in February just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, and the Biden administration for months has sought her release, considering her wrongfully imprisoned. The two-time Olympic gold medalist pleaded guilty in August after being charged with possession of cannabis oil while insisting she did not intend to break the law.

She appealed her nine-year sentence, but a Russian court rejected the appeal and sent Griner to a penal colony.

The potential prisoner swap with Bout had been reported for months as the Biden administration sought to secure Griner’s release, although officials had not confirmed the plans.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.