WNBA player Brittney Griner has been released from Russian prison after being held there for months.
On Thursday, CBS News learned from a U.S. official that Griner was released as part of a one-for-one prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout.
The negotiated agreement with Moscow in recent weeks was reportedly approved by President Joe Biden, citing sources familiar with the deal.
According to CBS News, a White House official said Biden spoke to Brittney Griner over the phone.
He was joined in the Oval Office for the call by Griner’s wife, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Biden later tweeted, “Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.”
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
— President Biden Archived (@POTUS46Archive) December 8, 2022
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT
He added, “She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home.”
