Brittney Griner Freed, U.S.-Russia Agree To Prisoner Swap

After almost 10 difficult months behind bars in Russia, Brittney Griner is lastly heading back house.

U.S. authorities stated Thursday they have actually struck a handle the foreign nation … consenting to a detainee swap to release the WNBA star.

It’s a 1-for-1 trade … with the U.S. slated to send out over Russian arms dealership Viktor Bout — AKA the “Merchant of Death” — in the swap.

President Joe Biden exposed Thursday early morning that he personally talked with Griner after performing the trade, including, “She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home.”

Griner has actually been detained in Russia considering that February — after she was implicated of bringing hashish oil in her baggage to a Moscow airport. In August, she was sentenced to nine years in jail. An appeal of that judgment was denied in October.

Last month, the 32-year-old had actually been moved to a prison in Mordovia … where specialists stated she was dealing with homophobia, bigotry and 16-hour work days.

At the time, representatives for Griner stated she was “trying to stay strong.”

At a press conference Thursday early morning, with Griner’s other half, Cherelle, at his side, Biden informed the country, “I’m glad to be able to say that Brittney is in good spirits. She’s relieved to be finally heading home.”

Cherelle included, with a huge smile on her face, “Today my family is whole.”

When It Comes To Paul Whelan, another American who the U.S. has actually categorized as wrongfully apprehended in Russia, Biden verified Thursday they are still actively working out for his release.

“We are not giving up,” he stated. “We will never give up.”