After nearly 10 grueling months behind bars in Russia, Brittney Griner is finally heading back home.
U.S. officials said Thursday they’ve struck a deal with the foreign country … agreeing to a prisoner swap to free the WNBA star.
It’s a 1-for-1 trade … with the U.S. slated to send over Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout — aka the “Merchant of Death” — in the swap.
President Joe Biden revealed Thursday morning that he personally spoke with Griner, adding, “She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home.”
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
@POTUS
Griner has been detained in Russia since February — after she was accused of bringing hashish oil in her luggage to a Moscow airport. In August, she was sentenced to nine years in prison. An appeal of that ruling was denied in October.
Last month, the 32-year-old had been moved to a prison in Mordovia … where experts said she was facing homophobia, racism and 16-hour work days.
At the time, reps for Griner said she was “trying to stay strong.”
At a news conference Thursday morning, with Griner’s wife, Cherelle, at his side, Biden told the nation, “I’m glad to be able to say that Brittney is in good spirits. She’s relieved to be finally heading home.”
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