Brittney Griner released from Russian custody, US confirms

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian prison, as confirmed and announced by US President Joe Biden on Twitter.

According to different media sources and confirmed by US official, Griner has been released in a one-for-one prisoner swap for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. On Aug. 4, a Russian court found Griner guilty of drug smuggling and possession charges and sentenced her to nine years in prison.

Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.

She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022