Russia has released jailed US basketball star Brittney Griner in exchange for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, who has been held in an American prison for 12 years.
The one-for-one exchange negotiated between both countries was given final approval by President Joe Biden in the last week, according to sources familiar with the deal. The swap took place on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates.
Biden said Griner was safe and on a plane home from the United Arab Emirates. Per standard procedure for freed U.S. prisoners, Griner will be expected to undergo a medical evaluation.
“I’m glad to say Brittney’s in good spirits… she needs time and space to recover,” Biden said at the White House.
Griner was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after Russian authorities said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. During her trial in July, Griner pleaded guilty but said she had no criminal intent, adding that the canisters, which she had been prescribed to treat chronic pain, were packed as she hurriedly prepared for her flight.
She was later jailed for nine years on drug charges for possessing cannabis oil and last month sent to a penal colony.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked officials across the government who worked “tirelessly” to bring Griner home in a statement Thursday.
