US basketball star Griner held in Russia to go on trial on July 1
2 years, 5 months ago

US basketball star Griner held in Russia to go on trial on July 1

Al Jazeera  

Brittney Griner appeared at a brief hearing and is charged with drug smuggling, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years. US basketball star Brittney Griner, who is in detention in Russia on drug charges, will go on criminal trial on July 1, a court said on Monday. Griner’s detention came days before Russian President Vladimir Putin defied US warnings and sent troops into Ukraine, prompting Western powers to impose sweeping sanctions and send military aid to Kyiv. But the discrepancy between Griner’s case — allegedly having vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the US. Relations between the US and Russia are at a low point, and US President Joe Biden’s press secretary said last month that tensions with the Kremlin present challenges in any attempt to negotiate Griner’s release.

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History of this topic

Russia releases US journalist and other Americans and dissidents in massive 24-person prisoner swap
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Russia releases US journalist and other Americans and dissidents in massive 24-person prisoner swap

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free, officials said. Under the deal, Russia released Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who …

Brittney Griner reacts to prisoner swap between U.S. and Russia: ‘This is a big win, huge win’
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner reacts to prisoner swap between U.S. and Russia: ‘This is a big win, huge win’

New York Times  

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France — Team USA center Brittney Griner had just come off the court after her team beat Belgium in group play at the Paris Games when she was asked about her reaction to the news that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were part of a massive prisoner swap between Russia and several …

Brittney Griner honored to be wearing a USA Basketball jersey again after time in Russian prison
5 months ago

Brittney Griner honored to be wearing a USA Basketball jersey again after time in Russian prison

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — There were times Brittney Griner thought she would never wear a USA Basketball jersey again. “For me to now have the honor to wear it again and potentially win gold is icing on the cake for everything.” Griner had gone to Russia to play basketball and supplement her WNBA income. I’m thrilled for her personally and thrilled for …

Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who played in Russia after Brittney Griner’s arrest
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who played in Russia after Brittney Griner’s arrest

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans that opted to play in Russia this past offseason, a decision New York Liberty forward Kayla Thornton said raised a few eyebrows following Brittney Griner’s incarceration in 2022. “I had a lot of people trying to question my decision and were like, ‘Are you sure?’” Thornton told The Associated …

Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner continues her efforts to settle into a normal routine following her release from a Russian prison 17 months ago. WNBA star details experience in book AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on Brittney Griner 17 months after returning from Russian detainment. Government officials “have to make really hard decisions.” Griner, who first met President Biden at the White House …

Brittney Griner book: The shocking truth of her time in Russian prison.
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner book: The shocking truth of her time in Russian prison.

Slate  

I would watch a show where Tucker Carlson interviews Brittney Griner. At one point in Coming Home, Griner’s new memoir of her forced stay in Russia for most of 2022, the nine-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist quotes Nelson Mandela’s words: “No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails.” By that measure, Griner …

Brittney Griner book review: Coming Home is a moving memoir about the WNBA star’s detention in Russia.
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner book review: Coming Home is a moving memoir about the WNBA star’s detention in Russia.

Slate  

Before WNBA and Team USA superstar Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for 10 months in 2022, U.S. hostages abroad seemed like a distant problem, one she could never fully connect with, she writes in her compelling new book, Coming Home, out Tuesday. And then one February, over there became my here and now.” Griner doesn’t hold back in her …

Brittney Griner says she contemplated suicide, recalling experience in Russian prisons
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner says she contemplated suicide, recalling experience in Russian prisons

Salon  

For years, Brittney Griner was WNBA's most high-profile athlete, known for her 6-foot-9 nine stature, her 7-foot wingspan and her NCAA record-breaking slam dunks. In a New York Times profile published on Thursday, Griner recalled the events surrounding her arrest, subsequent nine-year prison sentence and eventual release in a high-profile prisoner swap at the center of a bitter, contentious rivalry …

Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — WNBA star Brittney Griner said she thought about killing herself during her first few weeks in a Russian jail after her 2022 arrest on drug-related charges. Griner was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from cannabis. “I wanted to take my …

Brittney Griner discusses ‘mental lapse’ that led to detainment, conditions of Russian prison
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner discusses ‘mental lapse’ that led to detainment, conditions of Russian prison

New York Times  

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner opened up about her nearly 10-month detainment in Russia and the “mental lapse” that led to her arrest at a Moscow-area airport after authorities found less than one gram of hashish oil in vape canisters in her luggage. GO DEEPER ‘You’re not forgotten’: The letters that sustained Brittney Griner in prison Griner told “20/20” that …

Brittney Griner reflects on ‘lapse’ over cannabis vape that led Russian jail time
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner reflects on ‘lapse’ over cannabis vape that led Russian jail time

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy WNBA star Brittney Griner …

Russia extends detention of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich by three months
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Russia extends detention of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich by three months

Al Jazeera  

Moscow court extends journalist’s arrest on espionage charges, ensuring he spends more than a year in prison. The Moscow City Court ordered on Tuesday that the 32-year-old Wall Street Journal reporter remain behind bars until June 30 as he awaits trial on espionage charges. The United States embassy slammed the decision, which ensures that the journalist will spend a year …

Disney and ESPN join hands to portray WNBA star Brittney Griner's Russian detainment
1 year ago

Disney and ESPN join hands to portray WNBA star Brittney Griner's Russian detainment

Hindustan Times  

Disney, ESPN and ABC have joined hands to portray the story of WNBA star Brittney Griner's detainment in Russia in various formats. “The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world,” said Brittney, in a statement …

Griner’s WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments
1 year, 3 months ago

Griner’s WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner’s return to the WNBA after nearly 10 months in a Russian prison hasn’t always been the smoothest ride. “It probably sounds like a lot, but that’s my peace.” Griner’s return this season has been widely celebrated around the WNBA and much of the expected vitriol — she was freed as part of a swap for notorious …

Brittney Griner misses second straight game with hip injury
1 year, 6 months ago

Brittney Griner misses second straight game with hip injury

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner sat on the bench in warmups for the second straight game, sidelined by a hip injury she suffered earlier this week. It was Griner’s first game in New York since being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months last year. That’s how special she is so it was wonderful.” The Liberty showed a video package showcasing Griner and …

Shocking video shows right-wing YouTuber harassing Brittney Griner at airport
1 year, 6 months ago

Shocking video shows right-wing YouTuber harassing Brittney Griner at airport

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Brittney Griner’s team has …

Russia extends arrest of US journalist Evan Gershkovich by 3 months
1 year, 7 months ago

Russia extends arrest of US journalist Evan Gershkovich by 3 months

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — A Russian court on Tuesday extended the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich by three months in a closed-door hearing emblematic of the secrecy that has marked the case against the first United States correspondent since the Cold War to be detained in Russia on spying charges. State news agency Tass said the session was closed …

‘A day of joy': Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

‘A day of joy': Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Brittney Griner stood for the national anthem before her first regular-season WNBA game since being jailed in Russia. “Just being able to hear my national anthem and see my flag, I definitely want to stand.” Griner had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots Friday night for the Phoenix Mercury in a 94-71 loss to the …

‘Day of joy’ as Brittney Griner returns to WNBA
1 year, 7 months ago

‘Day of joy’ as Brittney Griner returns to WNBA

Firstpost  

Los Angeles: Brittney Griner made an emotional return to women’s basketball on Friday, playing her first competitive game in nearly two years following her incarceration in Russia. The result, however, was almost a footnote to an occasion that Phoenix coach Vanessa Nygaard described as a “day of joy.” “All last season I opened every press conference with how many days …

WNBA: Brittney Griner greeted by US VP Harris in return to court
1 year, 7 months ago

WNBA: Brittney Griner greeted by US VP Harris in return to court

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner returned to the WNBA hardwood on Friday night in Los Angeles to cheers from a raucous crowd that included US Vice President Kamala Harris. It felt like the last time I played,” a smiling Griner said of making the shot after missing all of last season while detained in Russia for nearly 10 months. “I definitely feel it, …

‘A day of joy:’ Brittney Griner set to open 1st WNBA season since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

‘A day of joy:’ Brittney Griner set to open 1st WNBA season since detainment in Russia

The Hindu  

For the first time since last season, Phoenix coach Vanessa Nygaard opened her pregame comments without announcing how many days Brittney Griner had been jailed in Russia. It was the 32-year-old center’s first game action since she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022 after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis …

‘Day of joy’ as Griner makes WNBA return after Russia ordeal
1 year, 7 months ago

‘Day of joy’ as Griner makes WNBA return after Russia ordeal

Al Jazeera  

Brittney Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in a high-profile prisoner exchange with the US late last year. Griner, who was released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap last year, made her first appearance in a WNBA game in 579 days on Friday evening as the Phoenix Mercury faced the Los Angeles Sparks in a season …

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Brittney Griner plays first WNBA pre-season game since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner plays first WNBA pre-season game since detainment in Russia

Firstpost  

Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges ended with a prisoner swap Phoenix: Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players. “I’m not going to take a day for …

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 and 1/2 hours before Phoenix Mercury played Friday night and hugged and high-fived her teammates, coaches and opposing players. Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges which ended with a prisoner swap in December. The seven-time All-Star, who missed the …

Brittney Griner Returns To Court In First WNBA Action Since Russian Detainment
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner Returns To Court In First WNBA Action Since Russian Detainment

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING PHOENIX — Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players. “I’m not going to take a day for granted.” Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges …

Brittney Griner won't play abroad again, vows to fight for US prisoners
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner won't play abroad again, vows to fight for US prisoners

Firstpost  

Russia released Brittney Griner in December last year as part of a deal that saw her swapped for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as the ‘Merchant of Death’ Phoenix: WNBA superstar Brittney Griner vowed never to play basketball overseas again on Thursday in an emotional first press conference since being released by Russia as part of a prisoner …

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Hope bounced around Brittney Griner like a buoy and an anchor. “A LOT of media in here today.” Griner gained international attention in February 2022, when she was arrested after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. “I’m no stranger to hard times,” Griner said, fighting back tears. “Walking around town …

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner got emotional quickly. “I’m no stranger to hard times,” Griner said Thursday from the lobby of the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. I just relied on my hard work to get through it.” Griner’s first news conference drew more than 100 people, including Arizona Gov. Griner was arrested in February 2022 …

Watch: Brittney Griner holds first news conference since Russia prison release
1 year, 7 months ago

Watch: Brittney Griner holds first news conference since Russia prison release

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for …

Brittney Griner: Never playing overseas again ‘unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics’
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner: Never playing overseas again ‘unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics’

New York Times  

After being detained for 10 months in Russia, Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner said she will no longer play basketball overseas during the WNBA offseason. “I’m never going overseas to play again unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics,” said Griner, who spoke Thursday in Phoenix at her first news conference since returning to the U.S. in December. Griner’s …

Official: Russia may discuss swap involving WSJ reporter
1 year, 8 months ago

Official: Russia may discuss swap involving WSJ reporter

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors …

Brittney Griner plans ‘intimate, moving’ memoir on imprisonment in Russia
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner plans ‘intimate, moving’ memoir on imprisonment in Russia

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner is ready to share the story of her nearly 10 months in Russian custody. Griner, 32, said in a statement on Tuesday her memoir would be a detailed and thorough account of being arrested in February 2022, tried in a Russian court and convicted with a sentence that included time at a penal colony. Publishing company Alfred A. …

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivity
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivity

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Saying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.” Griner added that she also …

Brittney Griner Working On Memoir About Russian Captivity
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner Working On Memoir About Russian Captivity

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING NEW YORK — Saying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024. Brittney Griner appears on stage at the 54th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2023. via Associated Press “That day …

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian detainment, ‘an unfathomable period in my life’
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian detainment, ‘an unfathomable period in my life’

New York Times  

WNBA star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir detailing her arrest and detainment in a Russian prison. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by BG Like many WNBA players, Griner, a center for the Phoenix Mercury, …

Brittney Griner to detail ‘unfathomable’ Russian arrest and detention in new memoir
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner to detail ‘unfathomable’ Russian arrest and detention in new memoir

LA Times  

Brittney Griner announced that she will write a memoir about her arrest and 10-month detention in Russia. Griner will detail the “incredibly challenging 10 months of detainment” in Russia in an upcoming memoir, she announced Tuesday. While Griner’s arrest is at the center of the upcoming book, she said the book is also for other Americans who are imprisoned overseas, …

Brittney Griner Speaks Out Following Journalist's Arrest In Russia
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner Speaks Out Following Journalist's Arrest In Russia

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — American basketball star Brittney Griner and her wife are concerned about the detainment in Russia of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and said “we must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home.” “Every American who is taken is ours to fight for and every American returned is a win …

Brittney Griner opts out of USA basketball training camp
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner opts out of USA basketball training camp

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner texted Diana Taurasi on Tuesday morning asking how the USA Basketball training camp was going. She’ll find her footing.” Taurasi said the two talk regularly now that Griner is home in Phoenix. “And we knew, at the same time, the minute she got into that plane and we got to Phoenix, there was going to be a whole …

Brittney Griner says she’ll play basketball in Arizona again
2 years ago

Brittney Griner says she’ll play basketball in Arizona again

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner said she’s “grateful” to be back in the United States and plans on playing basketball again next season for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. After months of strained negotiations, and an extraordinarily rare public revelation by the Biden administration that it had made a “substantial proposal” to bring home Griner and another detained American, Paul Whelan, the case resolved …

Brittney Griner says she will return to playing basketball
2 years ago

Brittney Griner says she will return to playing basketball

Al Jazeera  

In first remarks since returning to the US, WNBA star thanks all who pushed for her release from Russian prison. United States basketball star Brittney Griner, who was released from detention in Russia last week, has said she will be back on the court with her Women’s National Basketball Association team next season. The two-time Olympic gold medallist also expressed …

Griner in ‘good spirits’ in US after Russian prisoner swap
2 years ago

Griner in ‘good spirits’ in US after Russian prisoner swap

Associated Press  

SAN ANTONIO — Brittney Griner returned to the United States Friday and was reunited with her wife nearly 10 months after her detention in Russia made the basketball star the most high-profile American jailed abroad and set off a political firestorm. Asked if more such swaps could happen, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that “everything is possible,” noting that …

US basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home after Russia prisoner swap
2 years ago

US basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home after Russia prisoner swap

Firstpost  

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion and LGBTQ trailblazer, was arrested at a Moscow airport against a backdrop of soaring tensions over Ukraine. Washington: American basketball star Brittney Griner arrived in the United States Friday morning after she was released from a Russian prison in exchange for an arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death.” Griner, 32, …

Brittney Griner back home in US after Russian prisoner swap
2 years ago

Brittney Griner back home in US after Russian prisoner swap

The Hindu  

American basketball star Brittney Griner returned to the United States early Friday after being freed in a high-profile prisoner exchange following nearly 10 months in detention in Russia. American basketball star Brittney Griner gets out of a plane after landing at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on December 9, 2022 in San Antonio | Photo Credit: AFP Griner is a …

Brittney Griner back home in U.S. after Russian prisoner swap
2 years ago

Brittney Griner back home in U.S. after Russian prisoner swap

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner returned to the United States early on December 9, nearly 10 months after the basketball star’s detention in Russia made her the most high-profile American jailed abroad and set off a political firestorm. Mr. Biden’s authorization to release Bout, the Russian felon once nicknamed “the Merchant of Death,” underscored the heightened urgency that his administration faced to get …

How Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison puts the spotlight on Paul Whelan
2 years ago

How Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison puts the spotlight on Paul Whelan

Firstpost  

Paul Whelan, a former Marine who became a corporate security executive, was arrested at a Moscow hotel in December 2018 and accused of spying. He was convicted in June 2020 on espionage charges, which the US government says were manufactured The release on Thursday of Brittney Griner, the American basketball star imprisoned in Russia, also puts a spotlight on Paul …

Explained: Who is Brittney Griner, the US basketball star released from a Russian prison?
2 years ago

Explained: Who is Brittney Griner, the US basketball star released from a Russian prison?

Firstpost  

Before being arrested by Russian authorities for possessing cannabis oil in February, Brittney Griner had an amazing career in basketball, winning two Olympic gold medals for the American team. After 10 long months, she now returns home after a prisoner swap with Moscow for arms dealer Viktor Bout A nightmare that lasted for 10 long months has come to an …

Brittney Griner heads back to US after release from Russia in prisoner swap
2 years ago

Brittney Griner heads back to US after release from Russia in prisoner swap

Firstpost  

Brittney Griner, who was arrested in Russia in February on drug charges, and Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in a US prison, were exchanged at an airport in Abu Dhabi. American basketball star Brittney Griner was headed back to the United States on Thursday after being released from a Russian prison in exchange for an arms dealer …

Who is Viktor Bout, the ‘Merchant of Death’, swapped for US basketball star Brittney Griner?
2 years ago

Who is Viktor Bout, the ‘Merchant of Death’, swapped for US basketball star Brittney Griner?

Firstpost  

Depending on whom you ask, the 55-year-old Viktor Bout is a swashbuckling businessman unjustly imprisoned after an overly aggressive US sting operation or a peddler of weapons whose sales fuelled some of the world’s worst conflicts and earned him the ‘Merchant of Death’ moniker It’s been dubbed the ‘most uneven of swaps’. Depending on whom you ask, the 55-year-old Viktor …

Griner freed: WNBA star swapped for Russian, heads home
2 years ago

Griner freed: WNBA star swapped for Russian, heads home

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — American basketball star Brittney Griner headed home Thursday night, freed from Russian prison in exchange for the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in the culmination of an eight-month saga of high diplomacy and dashed hopes. “She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home,” Biden said from the White House, where he was …

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