American basketball player Griner released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout

According to US press reports, which are based on senior US officials, Griner and Bout were released as part of the US-Russian prisoner exchange.

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, also shared on his Twitter account: “I spoke on the phone with Brittney Griner a few minutes ago. She is safe. He’s on the plane right now. He now he comes home ”. he used his statements.

Biden also shared a photo of the moments when he spoke with Griner on the phone. Along with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, were also seen in the Oval Office.

RUSSIA ANNOUNCED

In the statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the prisoner exchange was confirmed and “the exchange of Bout and Griner was successfully completed on December 8 at Abu Dhabi airport. Bout has returned to his homeland.” statements were included.

In the statement, it was stated that long-term consultations were held between Russia and the US for the release of Viktor Bout.

American basketball player Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia in February with drugs.

The Khimki City Court in the capital Moscow also sentenced Griner to 9 years in prison and a fine of 1 million rubles (about $16,000).

It was alleged that Russia and the United States were in talks about the exchange of several detainees, including Griner.

In a statement on July 27, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that they had prepared a major proposal to Moscow for the extradition of American Paul Whelan, who was imprisoned in Russia, as well as Griner.

US President Joe Biden also called on Russia to release Griner.

NICHOLAS CAGELI INSPIRED THE FILM

Known as an arms smuggler, Viktor Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States for supplying weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

It was claimed that the famous film “God of War” starring American actor Nicholas Cage was based on Bout’s life story. (AA)