WNBA star Brittney Griner is finally heading home after reports confirmed that Russia accepted a prisoner swap deal with the US. Griner had been detained since February and was finally released, and she was recently seen heading back home. Cameras also caught a glimpse of the prisoner swap taking place as Griner made her way back to the United States.

The eight-time All-Star was detained at a Moscow airport in February, just a few days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. She was later put on trial for drug possession charges, found guilty, and subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison. Negotiations were ongoing between the two countries, but there was little progress till recently.

Furthermore, there was some good news for Griner and her family as US President Joe Biden confirmed that Griner was heading back home. As per reports, Griner was exchanged for a convicted Russian arms dealer, Victor Bout, who was imprisoned in the United States till now.

Camera catches Brittney Griner and Victor Bout prisoner swap

Bout’s name had long been linked in the prisoner swap deal and after Russia agreed to the deal, the two were then sent to the UAE, where the exchange took place.

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Cameras were able to catch a glimpse of the two crossing paths with each other, while officials from both sides were present to meet both of them. Then both Griner and Bout crossed each other and went their separate ways.

Griner returns after over nine months

Ever since her arrest, Griner’s fans, peers, family, and sporting celebrities have been calling for her release. They put the government in the spotlight, demanding them to take action. Ultimately, the US government offered a prisoner swap program after Griner was officially designated as a prisoner in a Russian court following her sentencing.

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Despite making the offer months ago, there had been few updates on any talks. During the same time, Brittney Griner lost her appeal verdict, and she was sent to one of Russia’s many penal colonies, which was reportedly known for its notorious conditions. After this, calls for her release greatly intensified.

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Finally, Griner and her family received the news that they had been waiting for. After months of being detained, Griner was finally heading back home.