Vladimir Putin says Russia will continue to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

American basketball player Brittney Griner, jailed in Russia since February for possession and trafficking of marijuana, has been released as part of a prisoner exchange, the US president announced Thursday.

“She is safe. She’s on a plane. She’s going home.”Joe Biden writes on the day Twitter, including talking to her over the telephone. The Russian Foreign Ministry clarified that the basketball player was transferred to an arms dealer Victor BottHe served 25 years in prison in the United States. “On December 8, 2022, the extradition procedure of Russian citizen Viktor Bode against an American citizen serving prison terms in the United States and Russia, respectively, was completed at Abu Dhabi Airport”He declared.

“I’d also like to thank the United Arab Emirates for helping us facilitate Britney’s release. That’s where she landed.”, later announced by Joe Biden during a press conference at the White House. According to him, the player’s morale is good, but she will need time and privacy to overcome her. “Shock”. Cherelle Griner, wife of the basketball star, who was with the US president, expressed her opinion. “Thank you very much” She said to herself “drowned” by emotion.

Russian-American talks on prisoner exchange – described as“Intense and industrious” By Joe Biden — Despite tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, tensions have continued in recent months. In addition to Brittney Griner, the Americans wanted the release of ex-Marine Paul Whelan, who has been held in Russia since late 2018 for espionage.

“Unfortunately and for completely illegal reasons, Russia is processing Paul’s file [Whelan] Different from Britney”Joe Biden lamented. “Though we are yet to succeed in securing Paul’s release [Whelan], we didn’t give up. We will never give up.”he added.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star Brittney Griner was arrested at Moscow-Sheremetyevo Airport on February 17 – a week before Russia began its offensive in Ukraine – with e-cigarette cartridges containing cannabis. Oil in his luggage.

A basketball player with a US prescription for cannabis to treat chronic pain was sentenced to nine years in prison in August by the Russian judiciary for possessing and trafficking cannabis.