America Strikes Deal With Russia that Brings Brittney Griner Home 

Brittney Griner, a WNBA star, has been released from Russia at last. In a prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, Griner was freed. However, the swap did not include Paul Whelan, who is also wrongfully detained according to the government.

Griner’s release brings relief to her loved ones, and President Biden expressed his apologies to Whelan’s family. It is unfortunate that Russia only agreed to give up Griner for reasons that are not legitimate.

The current scenario can be viewed as a diplomatic maneuver wherein both the United States and Russia are engaging with one another. Regrettably for Griner. She finds herself caught right in between these two countries’ actions. Consequently. Bout—who had earned himself quite an infamous moniker “the Merchant of Death”—has now been freed after serving a hefty 25 year prison sentence within US territory on charges related to terrorism.

Taking place at Abu Dhabi Airport itself signifies not only camaraderie amongst Russia, USA but extends even further to the United Arab Emirates. Despite the comparatively short duration of Griner’s custody when juxtaposed against Bout’s 15 year imprisonment it is deemed reasonable by some that she was part of this exchange.