Brittney Griner Released In Prisoner Swap For The Merchant Of Death

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WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from Russian custody.

Griner was released in a prisoner swap in return for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout (aka, the Merchant of Death).

She had been sentenced to nine years after being convicted in a show trial for possessing hash oil.

President Joe Biden confirmed the news early Thursday morning, and addressed the nation by stating: "She's safe. She's on a plane. She's on her way home."

Biden also thanked the UAE for helping facility the transfer after months of "hell" in Russia. The President further added that Griner: "Deserves space, privacy and time with her loved ones."

Biden also said America remembers Paul Whelan and stated "sadly" Putin's regime is treating him differently than Griner. "We'll keep negotiating in good faith for Paul's release. I guarantee that," the President told the nation.

Brittney Griner is finally coming home.

It's about damn time Griner returned to the United States of America. She's been in Russian custody since February 2022. The prison she was sentenced to serve her draconian sentence at is notorious for torture and harsh conditions.

There was no reason for her to be in Russian custody for such a lengthy amount of time. It was inexcusable and frankly, made America look weak.

Now, she's out and coming home.

Brittney Griner released from Russian custody. (Photo by EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Who is Viktor Bout?

The man the United States shipped back to Russia for Griner's safe return is arguably the most notorious arms deal in the history of the world.

After being captured by America, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of conspiring to kill Americans, acquire and export anti-aircraft missiles and provide material support to a terrorist organization, according to CNN. His life story is the inspiration for the film "Lord of War."

Now, he'll return to Russia and almost certainly go right back to slinging weapons all over the world. These are the tough choices Presidents must make. And President Joe Biden has decided he's okay with the swap.

Brittney Griner swapped for Viktor Bout. She had been sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison. (Photo by U.S. Department of Justice via Getty Images)

It's great to have Brittney Griner home. But this situation never should have been allowed to get to this point.

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David Hookstead is a reporter for OutKick covering a variety of topics with a focus on football and culture. He also hosts of the podcast American Joyride that is accessible on Outkick where he interviews American heroes and outlines their unique stories. Before joining OutKick, Hookstead worked for the Daily Caller for seven years covering similar topics. Hookstead is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.