US basketball player Brittney Griner has been freed by Russia after being arrested in Moscow airport back in February 

Russia has freed US basketball player Brittney Griner in a prison swap with arms dealer, Viktor Bout. Brittney was arrested in Moscow airpot for carrying cannabis oil in her luggage. She was then sentenced to nine years in a penal colony by a court in Russia back in August. President Joe Biden said: "I'm glad to say Brittney's in good spirits... she needs time and space to recover.

"The athlete is reportedly on a flight on her way home to the United States.The arms dealer, who had been in an American prison for 12 years, has also returned to his homeland of Russia. This comes after the Biden administration offered a prisoner exchange in July. Brittney's wife Cherelle gave her thanks from the White House'sOval Office. She said: "I'm just standing here overwhelmed with emotions."Taking to Twitter, many political figures celebrated the news of Brittney's release.Hilary Clinton wrote: "Brittney Griner is coming home. Just incredibly good news. Thank you to President Biden and everyone in the administration who made this happen, as well as the advocates who pushed for it.

"Vice President Kamala Harris added: "Today, Brittney Griner's wrongful detention in Russia finally ends and she is on her way home to be reunited with her family. Her release is the product of painstaking negotiations and@POTUScommitment to bring home every U.S. citizen wrongfully detained anywhere in the world." And former US president Barack Obama said: "Grateful for the long-overdue release of Brittney Griner today from Russian custody. Kudos to @POTUS and his administration for the difficult diplomatic work involved to make it happen. We're looking forward to having Brittney back home."