Watch the moment Brittney Griner was exchanged for Viktor Bout | USA TODAY #Shorts

After more than nine months of imprisonment in Russia, WNBA star Brittney Griner was taken to the United Arab Emirates to complete a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Five months after Brittney Griner told President Joe Biden she was terrified she would spend the rest of her life behind bars in Russia, the WNBA star headed back to the United States. “She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home,” Biden announced from the White House Thursday.

Griner’s release followed months of what the White House called "painstaking, extraordinary" negotiations between the Biden administration and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime for the safe return of the two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time WNBA All-Star.

Griner, a center for the Phoenix Mercury, had been in custody in Russia since February when she was arrested at an airport near Moscow while returning to play for her Russian professional basketball team, UMMC Ekaterinburg. She was charged with possessing cannabis oil.

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#BrittneyGriner #Russia #AbuDhabi

[chuck.]

One of the saddest days in USA history. We bring a guilty basketball player home and leave an accused veteran, Biden is an idiot.

[sandrasimpkins]

Why does this video have a cut in it? What are we missing?

[chanteledwards]

#1 rule is never leave a marine behind and look what just happen smh 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[ImaNPCman]

I guess they can make a 'Lord Of War' sequel now.

[Yosarian]

as a Russian, I am happy about the release of Bout, but I feel sorry for Paul Whelan as a human being, I think he did more for the USA than Brittney Griner

[robertsimmons]

they never show where Brittney and Viktor shook hands.

[YouDontKnowMebro]

We traded a ungrateful WNBA player for a murderer. Nice job Joe

[sumghai]

So we gave back the weapon dealer for some tall dude named Britney?

[timchinchilla]

Why did they cut the part out.. when she shook his hand or did he give her something?!

[vashaundavids]

He going back in the streets and Brittany about to roll a fatty

[scoopofmovies]

It's part of this world's twisted reality TV show : Illusion note it

[andersonjames]

*Because of the economic crisis that always comes up the best thing to be on every wise individual’s mind or list is to invest in different streams of income that’s not depending on the government to generate funds.*

[Ask-Jesus-for-the-Holy-Spirit]

Piss poor trade, I would have said we pass.

[ahmaudarberywasaviolentkle]

"The Kremlin gave the White House the choice of either Griner or Whelan or no one."
Andrea Mitchell, NBC

[WilliamGTA]

By the way they were walking it looks like we traded The Merchant of death for Jar Jar Binks.

[sarayahoo]

I heard Vikto say "Thanks B" 🤣

[elmamay]

She even trying to walk like she got something hanging down below 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[pablooso]

I am happy anytime an American is returned home, happy for her, her friends and family. Let's not forget she is guilty of breaking Russian law. It is against the law to possess, transport or sell any cannabis product in Russia. She brought it in country, they found it, she became a criminal and went to prison. One must be realistic, not emotional about all this. Russia was just enforcing laws already on the books. Russian law does not allow an exception for medically prescribed. When you travel it is on you to know the law and obey it or you too will find yourself in prison. The State Department can help you figure out each countries laws, just contact them.

[blaphtome]

About the same number of people showed up to her homecoming celebration

[sammiejohill]

These comments are unbelievable. Can we just move on. They did an exchange swap, it's done, and over with. We will not accomplish anything by keep talking about the topic.