Officials from the United States of America and Russia have been negotiating a prisoner swap deal involving Brittney Griner for quite some time now. However, the talks have hardly been fruitful due to the complexity of the case. Meanwhile, Griner will be serving her nine-year sentence in a decrepit and squalid penal colony in Russia’s Mordovia.

According to the latest reports, officials are expecting a positive result as they continue negotiations. A notorious arms dealer will be a vital part of the talks as the US authorities try to bring Griner back home.

A notorious prisoner serving time in the USA will be vital for Brittney Griner

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has been the center of all the attention ever since her controversial arrest back in February. After the Russian judiciary rejected her plea and upheld its decision to sentence her to nine years in prison, a potential prisoner swap deal remains her only hope.

Talks have been slow and tough. But, a latest update suggests that a Russian official expects a positive result out of the talks being held for months now. Moreover, the official acknowledged that a notorious arms dealer serving time in the USA can be a part of the deal.

The person in question is Viktor Bout, who is in an American prison for multiple charges of arms trafficking. Widely known as the ‘Merchant of Death’, he has a notorious history of widespread crime.

READ MORE: Massive Brittney Griner Initiative Could Help Free Fellow Detained Americans in Other Countries

Although Bout has been mentioned in multiple reports, US officials have not officially acknowledged him. However, the Kremlin has officially taken note of the possibility of swapping Bout.

“So far, we have not come to a common denominator, but it is undeniable that Viktor Bout is among those who are being discussed, and we certainly count on a positive result”, said a Russian official.

Interestingly enough, despite the positive update, officials from the United States of America are not keeping their hopes high. According to them, Kremlin has failed to seriously negotiate and come to a deal.

Griner may face nine years in a hellish prison

In case the talks fail, Griner will have to spend nine years in her current penal colony in Mordovia. The prison has inhumane working hours with hostile guards and inmates. Considering Brittney Griner’s nationality and her sexual orientation, spending time there will be no easy feat.

WATCH THIS STORY: Did WNBA star Brittney Griner date 7-ft Lakers center, Anthony Davis?

What are your thoughts on the Brittney Griner situation? Let us know in the comments down below.