President Biden says WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison.
"Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner. She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home," he tweeted.
The White House says it made a "substantial offer" over the summer — widely reported to involve a suggested trade of convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout — in exchange for Griner and Whelan. Biden's tweet did not make a reference to Whelan.
Griner's arrest came in February amid increased tensions between the United States and Moscow, only days before Russia invaded Ukraine.
White House officials maintained Griner's freedom was an administration priority and repeatedly encouraged Moscow to take the deal or propose a serious counteroffer.