US President Joe Biden confirmed Brittney Griner was on a plane heading
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke by phone with Griner from the Oval Office, a US official said, adding that the call included Griner’s wife, Cherelle.
The Russian foreign ministry said it traded Griner for Russian citizen Viktor Bout, a former arms dealer.
“She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home,” Biden said from the White House, where he was accompanied by Cherelle and administration officials.
President Biden said Ms. Griner had been held under “intolerable circumstances” and been through a “terrible ordeal”.
“I’m glad to be able to say that Britney is in good spirits. She’s relieved to finally be heading home.”
Ms Griner “represents the best of America”, he added.
She will be flown to a medical facility in San Antonio, Texas, where she will also meet her wife.