WNBA star Brittney Griner freed in Russian prisoner swap
WASHINGTON — Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.
The swap was confirmed by U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations who were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal before a White House announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Biden administration was ultimately willing to exchange Bout if it meant Griner’s freedom. The detention of one of the greatest players in WNBA history contributed to a swirl of unprecedented public attention for an individual detainee case — not to mention intense pressure on the White House.
In an extraordinary move during otherwise secret negotiations, Blinken revealed publicly in July that the U.S. had made a “substantial proposal” to Russia for Griner and Whelan. Though he did not specify the terms, people familiar with it said the U.S. had offered Bout.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Freed in US-Russia Prisoner SwapWNBA star Brittney Griner is free Thursday after the Biden administration negotiated her release from a Russian penal colony in exchange for an arms dealer.
Baca lebih lajut »
Russia frees WNBA star Brittney Griner in prisoner swapBREAKING: Russia frees WNBA star Brittney Griner in prisoner swap, with US releasing Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Baca lebih lajut »
Brittney Griner live updates: WNBA star swapped for Viktor Bout in prisoner exchangeBREAKING: Brittney Griner released from Russia in a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to a senior U.S. official.
Baca lebih lajut »
Griner for Bout: WNBA star freed in US-Russia prisoner swapRussia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American officials said.
Baca lebih lajut »
Griner for Bout: WNBA star freed in US-Russia prisoner swapThe swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.
Baca lebih lajut »