Brittney Griner is on her way home from Russia.
On Thursday, President Biden announced he had spoken to Brittney confirming she was safe and on a plane headed back to the U.S.
The WNBA star was released via a swap with Russia, sending arms dealer Viktor Bout back to his homeland.
As reported by CNN, the deal came together within the past 48 hours. Brittney boarded a plane Thursday morning to the United Arab Emirates where she was met by US officials — including Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.
In previous months, there were discussions of the US also getting Paul Whelan — another US citizen incarcerated in Russia — however, per reports discussion Russian officials made it clear Vicktor had to be released.
“The choice, the official said, was bringing “Brittney Griner home right now or no American home from Russia right now.”
No more days. She’s coming home 🧡 pic.twitter.com/HsjbdPfdn5
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 8, 2022
Welcome home, Brittney Griner 🤍 pic.twitter.com/ELtuqHiwXk
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) December 8, 2022
Previous coverage on Griner’s detainment can be found here, including her trial.
