Brittney Griner Calls US-Russia Prisoner Swap A 'Huge Win'

In a heartfelt reaction to the recent U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, Brittney Griner, Team USA center and WNBA stat, celebrated the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, among others. Speaking shortly after the swap on Thursday, Griner declared the event a ‘huge win’ for the families of those freed from Russian detention.

“I am head over heels happy for the families right now. Any day that Americans come home, that's a win,” she, told to The New York Times, during a post-game interview at the Paris Games. "I'm just happy. Like this is a big win, huge win."

Griner, detained in Russia in early 2022 for possession of cannabis oil and later sentenced to nine years, was freed in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Her ordeal and subsequent advocacy for wrongfully detained Americans have made her a prominent voice in international human rights discussions.

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Cherelle Griner Discusses Prisoner Exchange

Cherelle Griner, Brittney's wife, shared with Good Morning America the impact of the news. “Everything stopped for us. There was no basketball in that moment. We just kind of went back to 2022 for us, and it was just reliving that moment,” Cherelle said. She described the support they received from the families of other detainees, emphasizing the ongoing psychological recovery. “Do not expect them to be the exact same person you last saw,” she said, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding based on their own experience.

Details Of The Prisoner Swap

The swap, which included a total of 24 prisoners from various countries, also freed Gershkovich and Whelan, who was being held on espionage charges which they and the U.S. officials have vehemently denied.

As Griner continues her career, her experience remains a powerful narrative of survival and resilience. She plans to use her platform to raise awareness for those still detained as she continues to work with organizations like Bring Our Families Home.

Read Next:

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• Brittney Griner Talks For The First Time About Her Russian Detention In Exclusive ’20/20′ Special

Image credits: Lorie Shaull.