The release of Brittney Griner from Russian custody is the outcome of an arrangement negotiated by  American President Joe Biden.

A senior administration official has confirmed that WNBA star Brittney Griner was freed from a Russian jail camp on Thursday after the Biden administration secured her freedom in return for a weapons dealer.

Known as the “Merchant of Death,” Russian weapons dealer Viktor Bout will be traded for Brittany Griner.

The President of the United States made the following statement from the White House: “Moments ago, standing together with her wife, Cherelle, in the Oval Office, I spoke with Brittney Griner. She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home after months of being unjustly detained in Russia, held under intolerable circumstances.”

President Joe Biden approved of the exchange on Thursday morning, which took place in the United Arab Emirates.

A senior administration official has confirmed that Griner would be transported to a hospital in San Antonio for treatment. A high-ranking government official has confirmed that her partner, Cherelle Griner, will be waiting for her there.

Still, there are people in the United States serving life terms for mere marijuana crimes.