American basketball star Brittney Griner thanked her friends and family in her first statement since returning home from Russia and said that she will be getting back to her career in 2023. Griner, who was arrested by the Russian police at the Moscow Airport for carrying cannabis oil in her luggage, was released in a high-profile prisoner exchange involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8.&nbsp;

"It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn," Griner wrote on&nbsp;Instagram on Friday. "I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-low-even-for-pakistan-india-strongly-condemns-billawal-bhuttos-comment-543737">'New low even for Pakistan': India strongly condemns Billawal Bhutto's comment</a>

Along with the post, Griner also posted a picture of her stepping off a plane in Texas along with another picture with her wife Cherelle. The basketball star also thanked United States President Joe Biden for securing her release from the Russian prison where she was sentenced to nine years.&nbsp;

"President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too," she wrote in her Instagram post according to ABC News. "I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. Every family deserves to be whole."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-ukraine-take-back-crimea-a-biden-admin-official-says-so-report-543823">Can Ukraine take back Crimea? A Biden admin official says it can: Report</a>

Regarding her basketball career, Griner confirmed that she will play for&nbsp;Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.&nbsp;

"I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon," she wrote.&nbsp;

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American basketball star Brittney Griner thanked her friends and family in her first statement since returning home from Russia and said that she will be getting back to her career in 2023.

American basketball star Brittney Griner thanked her friends and family in her first statement since returning home from Russia and said that she will be getting back to her career in 2023. Griner, who was arrested by the Russian police at the Moscow Airport for carrying cannabis oil in her luggage, was released in a high-profile prisoner exchange involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8. "It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn," Griner wrote on Instagram on Friday. "I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help." Also read | 'New low even for Pakistan': India strongly condemns Billawal Bhutto's comment Along with the post, Griner also posted a picture of her stepping off a plane in Texas along with another picture with her wife Cherelle. The basketball star also thanked United States President Joe Biden for securing her release from the Russian prison where she was sentenced to nine years. "President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too," she wrote in her Instagram post according to ABC News. "I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. Every family deserves to be whole." Also read | Can Ukraine take back Crimea? A Biden admin official says it can: Report Regarding her basketball career, Griner confirmed that she will play for Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. "I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon," she wrote.

Brittney Griner breaks silence on return from Russia, to play in WNBA in 2023

Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was recently freed in a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, claimed on Friday (December 9) that the West is trying to "destroy" and "divide" Russia. 
&nbsp; 
Bout told state-run channel RT: "The West believes that they did not finish us off in 1990, when the Soviet Union began to disintegrate... They think that they can just destroy us again and divide Russia."&nbsp;

Bout's remarks came after he was freed as US basketball player Brittney Griner was released from Russia on Thursday in a prisoner swap.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The 55-year-old Bout, one of the world's most infamous arms dealers, was arrested in 2008 after a sting operation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration&nbsp;as the authorities tracked&nbsp;him to a luxury hotel in Bangkok.&nbsp;

WATCH&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-visibly-drunk-putins-video-claiming-you-started-it-not-us-goes-viral-541631">Visibly drunk Putin's video claiming 'You started it - not us' goes viral</a>&nbsp;

Two years later, Bout was extradited to the United States, where he faced a raft of charges, including conspiracy to support terrorists, conspiracy to kill Americans, and money laundering.&nbsp;

He is accused of fuelling some of the world's bloodiest conflicts by trafficking weapons across several continents. For his reported crimes, he even received nicknames like "the merchant of death" and "the sanctions buster".&nbsp;

In the interview, he also said that he did not encounter&nbsp;any "Russophobia" among his fellow inmates, and added&nbsp;that "basically almost all of my prisoner neighbours had some kind of sympathy for Russia."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Brittney Griner returns home, athletes celebrate her homecoming&nbsp;

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The interview was given to Maria Butina, who is a lawmaker in Russia's lower house of parliament. Butina served 15 months in a US prison for illegally acting as a foreign agent for Moscow.&nbsp;

Bout's life, his arrest, the sting operation, everything is like an action-thriller movie. It is said that his life inspired the Hollywood film "Lord of War", starring Nicolas Cage. In the movie, the anti-hero escaped justice.&nbsp;

While interacting with RT, Bout criticised the film. He claimed that the US film industry was responsible for producing propaganda.&nbsp;

"If they had come to me and asked, maybe they would have come up with a more interesting story. Hollywood these days -- in my opinion -- is just a propaganda department (of Washington)," he said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was recently freed in a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, claimed on Friday (December 9) that the West is trying to "destroy" and "divide" Russia.

Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was recently freed in a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, claimed on Friday (December 9) that the West is trying to "destroy" and "divide" Russia. Bout told state-run channel RT: "The West believes that they did not finish us off in 1990, when the Soviet Union began to disintegrate... They think that they can just destroy us again and divide Russia." Bout's remarks came after he was freed as US basketball player Brittney Griner was released from Russia on Thursday in a prisoner swap. The 55-year-old Bout, one of the world's most infamous arms dealers, was arrested in 2008 after a sting operation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration as the authorities tracked him to a luxury hotel in Bangkok. WATCH | Visibly drunk Putin's video claiming 'You started it - not us' goes viral Two years later, Bout was extradited to the United States, where he faced a raft of charges, including conspiracy to support terrorists, conspiracy to kill Americans, and money laundering. He is accused of fuelling some of the world's bloodiest conflicts by trafficking weapons across several continents. For his reported crimes, he even received nicknames like "the merchant of death" and "the sanctions buster". In the interview, he also said that he did not encounter any "Russophobia" among his fellow inmates, and added that "basically almost all of my prisoner neighbours had some kind of sympathy for Russia." WATCH | Brittney Griner returns home, athletes celebrate her homecoming × The interview was given to Maria Butina, who is a lawmaker in Russia's lower house of parliament. Butina served 15 months in a US prison for illegally acting as a foreign agent for Moscow. Bout's life, his arrest, the sting operation, everything is like an action-thriller movie. It is said that his life inspired the Hollywood film "Lord of War", starring Nicolas Cage. In the movie, the anti-hero escaped justice. While interacting with RT, Bout criticised the film. He claimed that the US film industry was responsible for producing propaganda. "If they had come to me and asked, maybe they would have come up with a more interesting story. Hollywood these days -- in my opinion -- is just a propaganda department (of Washington)," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Freed arms dealer Viktor Bout says West wants to ‘destroy’ and ‘divide’ Russia

American basketball star Brittney Griner packed her bags and was headed back to the United States on Thursday after being released from a Russian prison in exchange for Viktor Bout, an arms dealer, also known as the "Merchant of Death." The exchange was made at an airport in Abu Dhabi.

While Griner was arrested in Russia in February on drug charges, 55-year-old Bout was serving a 25-year sentence in a US prison.&nbsp;

Russian state media released footage of the exchange, where Griner could be seen minus her distinctive dreadlocks, while Bout looked relaxed. The two crossed paths on the airport tarmac and headed towards the planes that would take them home.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-viktor-bout-the-merchant-of-death-swapped-with-us-basketball-star-brittney-griner-541386">Who is Viktor Bout? The ‘Merchant of death’ swapped with US basketball star Brittney Griner</a>

President Joe Biden announced Griner's release early Thursday at the White House. "She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home," he said.

The president said he had spoken to her and she was in "good spirits" after suffering "needless trauma."

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was arrested at a Moscow airport nine months ago. That is the time when tensions over Ukraine were also soaring. She was accused of possession of vape cartridges with a small quantity of cannabis oil and was later sentenced in August to nine years in prison.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> First videos of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brittney?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brittney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Griner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Griner</a> being released from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> jail on plane back to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a>.. You can hear the relief in her voice💜 <a href="https://t.co/CB54UFDwhq">pic.twitter.com/CB54UFDwhq</a>
— LGBT 420 SOCIETY (@LGBT420SOCIETY) <a href="https://twitter.com/LGBT420SOCIETY/status/1601069920535445505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Bout was detained in a US sting operation in Thailand in 2008 and extradited to the United States and sentenced in 2012 to 25 years in jail. He was accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts.

He landed in Russia Thursday, state television said. "Don't worry, everything is OK, I love you very much," he told his mother Raisa.

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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, another American held in Russia, Paul Whelan, a former US Marine detained since 2018 and accused of spying, was not part of Thursday's exchange. He told CNN that he was "greatly disappointed."

"I don't understand why I'm still sitting here," Whelan told the US television network in a phone call.

Biden pledged that he will get Whelan free as well.

"Sadly, for totally illegitimate reasons, Russia is treating Paul's case different than Brittney's," he said.

As for Griner's release, Biden said "this is a day we’ve worked toward for a long time. It took painstaking and intense negotiations."

(With inputs from agencies)

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American basketball star Brittney Griner packed her bags and was headed back to the United States on Thursday after being released from a Russian prison in exchange for Viktor Bout, an arms dealer, also known as the "Merchant of Death.

American basketball star Brittney Griner packed her bags and was headed back to the United States on Thursday after being released from a Russian prison in exchange for Viktor Bout, an arms dealer, also known as the "Merchant of Death." The exchange was made at an airport in Abu Dhabi. While Griner was arrested in Russia in February on drug charges, 55-year-old Bout was serving a 25-year sentence in a US prison. Russian state media released footage of the exchange, where Griner could be seen minus her distinctive dreadlocks, while Bout looked relaxed. The two crossed paths on the airport tarmac and headed towards the planes that would take them home. Also Read | Who is Viktor Bout? The ‘Merchant of death’ swapped with US basketball star Brittney Griner President Joe Biden announced Griner's release early Thursday at the White House. "She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home," he said. The president said he had spoken to her and she was in "good spirits" after suffering "needless trauma." Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was arrested at a Moscow airport nine months ago. That is the time when tensions over Ukraine were also soaring. She was accused of possession of vape cartridges with a small quantity of cannabis oil and was later sentenced in August to nine years in prison. #BreakingNews First videos of #Brittney #Griner being released from #Russian jail on plane back to #USA.. You can hear the relief in her voice💜 pic.twitter.com/CB54UFDwhq — LGBT 420 SOCIETY (@LGBT420SOCIETY) December 9, 2022 × Bout was detained in a US sting operation in Thailand in 2008 and extradited to the United States and sentenced in 2012 to 25 years in jail. He was accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts. He landed in Russia Thursday, state television said. "Don't worry, everything is OK, I love you very much," he told his mother Raisa. × Meanwhile, another American held in Russia, Paul Whelan, a former US Marine detained since 2018 and accused of spying, was not part of Thursday's exchange. He told CNN that he was "greatly disappointed." "I don't understand why I'm still sitting here," Whelan told the US television network in a phone call. Biden pledged that he will get Whelan free as well. "Sadly, for totally illegitimate reasons, Russia is treating Paul's case different than Brittney's," he said. As for Griner's release, Biden said "this is a day we’ve worked toward for a long time. It took painstaking and intense negotiations." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brittney Griner heads home after being released from Russia in prisoner swap

US basketball star Brittney Griner returns home after serving prison in Russia

Hours after President Joe Biden said that the US basketball player Brittney Griner "is on her way home" following a prisoner exchange with Russia, the state media in Moscow lauded President Vladimir Putin for "winning" a prisoner exchange with the United States by swapping a US basketball player&nbsp;for a prolific arms dealer.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-basketball-star-brittney-griner-pleads-guilty-to-drug-in-russia-495493">US basketball star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug abuse charges in Russia</a>

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Viktor Bout, the arms dealers who was sentenced to 25 years in jail by a New York court in 2012, arrived in Moscow late on Thursday after Russia and the United States swapped the arms dealer for US basketball star Brittney Griner at Abu Dhabi airport.

Bout is described as "one of the world's most prolific arms dealers" who had sold weapons across the world to terrorists and individuals and entities that the US identifies as its enemies for decades. Bout though never accepted the charges.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-viktor-bout-the-merchant-of-death-swapped-with-us-basketball-star-brittney-griner-541386">Who is Viktor Bout? The ‘Merchant of death’ swapped with US basketball star Brittney Griner</a>

"It is a capitulation by America," Maria Butina, a lawmaker in the lower house of the Russian parliament, told state television on the tarmac of Moscow's Vnukovo airport just as Bout landed.

"It shows that Russia doesn't abandon its own while America has shown its defeat," Butina said beside Bout's wife and mother, who hugged him as he stepped back onto Russian soil. "Russia did not forget him."

Bout's life is subject to a Hollywood hit film "Lord of War".

Not much is known about Viktor Bout's&nbsp;early life, though he has been linked to Russian military intelligence (GRU). The GRU&nbsp;has made much of its reputation for never forgiving traitors and never abandoning its people no matter what the cost.

"Washington categorically refused to engage in dialogue on the inclusion of the Russian in the exchange scheme," the Russian foreign ministry said. "Nevertheless, the Russian Federation continued to actively work to rescue our compatriot."

"What a 'stupid' and unpatriotic embarrassment for the USA!!!," former President Donald Trump wrote on social media.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hours after President Joe Biden said that the US basketball player Brittney Griner "is on her way home" following a prisoner exchange with Russia, the state media in Moscow lauded President Vladimir Putin for "winning" a prisoner exchange with the United States by swapping a US basketball player for a prolific arms dealer.

Hours after President Joe Biden said that the US basketball player Brittney Griner "is on her way home" following a prisoner exchange with Russia, the state media in Moscow lauded President Vladimir Putin for "winning" a prisoner exchange with the United States by swapping a US basketball player for a prolific arms dealer. WATCH | US basketball star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug abuse charges in Russia × Viktor Bout, the arms dealers who was sentenced to 25 years in jail by a New York court in 2012, arrived in Moscow late on Thursday after Russia and the United States swapped the arms dealer for US basketball star Brittney Griner at Abu Dhabi airport. Bout is described as "one of the world's most prolific arms dealers" who had sold weapons across the world to terrorists and individuals and entities that the US identifies as its enemies for decades. Bout though never accepted the charges. ALSO READ | Who is Viktor Bout? The ‘Merchant of death’ swapped with US basketball star Brittney Griner "It is a capitulation by America," Maria Butina, a lawmaker in the lower house of the Russian parliament, told state television on the tarmac of Moscow's Vnukovo airport just as Bout landed. "It shows that Russia doesn't abandon its own while America has shown its defeat," Butina said beside Bout's wife and mother, who hugged him as he stepped back onto Russian soil. "Russia did not forget him." Bout's life is subject to a Hollywood hit film "Lord of War". Not much is known about Viktor Bout's early life, though he has been linked to Russian military intelligence (GRU). The GRU has made much of its reputation for never forgiving traitors and never abandoning its people no matter what the cost. "Washington categorically refused to engage in dialogue on the inclusion of the Russian in the exchange scheme," the Russian foreign ministry said. "Nevertheless, the Russian Federation continued to actively work to rescue our compatriot." "What a 'stupid' and unpatriotic embarrassment for the USA!!!," former President Donald Trump wrote on social media. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian lawmakers hail Bout-Griner swap as Putin’s ‘win’, capitulation by America: State media

U.S. basketball star Brittney&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;was transferred last week from a detention centre outside the Russian capital Moscow and is on her way to a penal colony, her legal team said on Wednesday. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was arrested on Feb. 17, a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, at a Moscow airport with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is banned in Russia. She was sentenced on Aug. 4 to nine years in a penal colony on charges of possessing and smuggling drugs.

Griner&nbsp;had pleaded guilty but said she had made an "honest mistake" and had not meant to break the law. Neither&nbsp;Griner's exact whereabouts nor her final destination were known, the legal team said in a statement, adding that in line with Russian procedures, her attorneys as well as the U.S. Embassy should be notified upon her arrival at her destination.

The notification would take up to two weeks to be received. The White House said U.S. President Joe Biden has directed his administration to "prevail on her Russian captors to improve her treatment and the conditions she may be forced to endure in a penal colony." It did not give any details about&nbsp;Griner's whereabouts. The Biden administration had in late July proposed a deal for a prisoner swap with Russia to secure her release, as well as that of former U.S. marine Paul Whelan, but Moscow is yet to respond positively to the offer.

"Despite a lack of good faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russians through all available channels," White House spokeswoman Karinne Jean-Pierre said. The souring of ties between Russia and the West has complicated the talks to secure&nbsp;Griner's release. "Our primary concern continues to be BG’s health and well-being,"&nbsp;Griner's agent Lindsay Colas said in a separate statement, referring to the player by her initials. "As we work through this very difficult phase of not knowing exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we ask for the public’s support in continuing to write letters and express their love and care for her," Colas said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kazakhstan-beat-hosts-britain-in-billie-jean-king-cup-finals-australia-go-past-slovakia-532541">Kazakhstan beat hosts Britain in Billie Jean King Cup finals, Australia go past Slovakia</a>

She said&nbsp;Griner's team remained in close contact with the U.S. government as well as the Richardson Center, named after former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who has privately worked to secure the release of American detainees abroad. Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan, in an earlier statement, described&nbsp;Griner's conditions as "intolerable" and the trial she had to go through as "another sham judicial proceeding."

Whelan was convicted by Russia of spying and jailed for 16 years in 2020. He denies espionage and has said he was set up in a sting operation. Washington has demanded his release.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was transferred last week from a detention centre outside the Russian capital Moscow and is on her way to a penal colony, her legal team said on Wednesday.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was transferred last week from a detention centre outside the Russian capital Moscow and is on her way to a penal colony, her legal team said on Wednesday. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was arrested on Feb. 17, a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, at a Moscow airport with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is banned in Russia. She was sentenced on Aug. 4 to nine years in a penal colony on charges of possessing and smuggling drugs. Griner had pleaded guilty but said she had made an "honest mistake" and had not meant to break the law. Neither Griner's exact whereabouts nor her final destination were known, the legal team said in a statement, adding that in line with Russian procedures, her attorneys as well as the U.S. Embassy should be notified upon her arrival at her destination. The notification would take up to two weeks to be received. The White House said U.S. President Joe Biden has directed his administration to "prevail on her Russian captors to improve her treatment and the conditions she may be forced to endure in a penal colony." It did not give any details about Griner's whereabouts. The Biden administration had in late July proposed a deal for a prisoner swap with Russia to secure her release, as well as that of former U.S. marine Paul Whelan, but Moscow is yet to respond positively to the offer. "Despite a lack of good faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russians through all available channels," White House spokeswoman Karinne Jean-Pierre said. The souring of ties between Russia and the West has complicated the talks to secure Griner's release. "Our primary concern continues to be BG’s health and well-being," Griner's agent Lindsay Colas said in a separate statement, referring to the player by her initials. "As we work through this very difficult phase of not knowing exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we ask for the public’s support in continuing to write letters and express their love and care for her," Colas said. ALSO READ | Kazakhstan beat hosts Britain in Billie Jean King Cup finals, Australia go past Slovakia She said Griner's team remained in close contact with the U.S. government as well as the Richardson Center, named after former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who has privately worked to secure the release of American detainees abroad. Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan, in an earlier statement, described Griner's conditions as "intolerable" and the trial she had to go through as "another sham judicial proceeding." Whelan was convicted by Russia of spying and jailed for 16 years in 2020. He denies espionage and has said he was set up in a sting operation. Washington has demanded his release.

Basketball star Brittney Griner on her way to penal colony in Russia, reveal lawyers

A Russian court on Tuesday dismissed U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner's appeal against a nine-year sentence for possessing and smuggling vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.

Griner and her lawyers had asked for acquittal or at least a reduction in her sentence, which they said was disproportionate to the offence and at odds with Russian judicial practice.

After retiring for no more than 30 minutes to consider the appeal, the presiding judge said the original verdict was upheld "without changes" except for the counting of time served in pre-trial detention as part of the sentence.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, was arrested on Feb. 17 at a Moscow airport, a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, and her case has inevitably been viewed in the context of the ensuing crisis in U.S.-Russian relations.

Washington was quick to respond to the verdict.

"We are aware of the news out of Russia that Brittney Griner will continue to be wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances after having to undergo another sham judicial proceeding today," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement

He said the United States would "continue to engage with Russia" to bring her home.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basketballer-brittney-griner-urges-russian-court-to-reduce-her-sentence-issues-apology-528250">Basketballer Brittney Griner urges Russian court to reduce her sentence, issues apology</a>

The state prosecutor had said Griner's Aug. 4 sentence of nine years in a penal colony was "fair", but Alexander Boykov, one of her lawyers, had told the three-judge panel sitting in Krasnogorsk, on the outskirts of Moscow:

"No judge, hand on heart, will honestly say that Griner's nine-year sentence is in line with Russian criminal law."

He listed a series of what he said were procedural flaws in Griner's conviction and requested an acquittal, but asked that "if the court wants to punish her, [it should] give her a new, 'fair' verdict and mitigate the punishment".

"The severity and cruelty of the sentence applied to Griner shocks people around the world," he said.

Permitted to make a final statement by live video link from her detention centre in the town of Novoye Grishino, just outside Moscow, Griner said how stressful her eight-month detention and two trials had been.

"I was barely over the significant amount [of cannabis oil] ... People with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given," she said.

Griner apologised for what she said was an honest mistake, as she had at her original trial, saying: "I did not intend to do this", and asking the court to take into account the fact that she had pleaded guilty.

She has said she used medical cannabis to relieve the pain from a series of sports injuries. Both recreational and medicinal uses are prohibited in Russia.

Wearing a black and red lumberjack shirt over a black hooded top, the 32-year-old alternately sat or stood in her cell, sometimes with head lowered, sometimes leaning against the white bars.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-are-some-positive-signs-but-unofficially-novak-djokovic-on-playing-2023-australian-open-528195">'There are some positive signs, but unofficially' - Novak Djokovic on playing 2023 Australian Open</a>

When asked if she had understood the verdict, she merely replied "Yes" before being led away. U.S. President Joe Biden had called the original verdict "unacceptable".

U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday that Washington was working to free Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, serving 16 years in jail after being convicted of spying, and that there had been "active discussions, including in recent days".

"We have not weighed in on the various judicial proceedings and judicial steps because as we’ve made clear, we believe that these proceedings have been largely shambolic," Price told reporters.

U.S. Chargee d'Affaires Elizabeth Rood, the ranking U.S. diplomat in Moscow, told media waiting outside the court that she had not been allowed to speak to Griner before or after the hearing.

But Griner's lawyers said in a statement: "Brittney’s biggest fear is that she is not exchanged and will have to serve the whole sentence in Russia. She had hopes for today as each month, each day away from her family and friends matters to her."

They said it would be some time before Griner was moved to a prison colony, and that they had not yet decided whether to try to launch another appeal.

"We generally think we must use all the available legal tools, especially given the harsh and unprecedented nature of her verdict," the statement said.

A Russian court on Tuesday dismissed U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner's appeal against a nine-year sentence for possessing and smuggling vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.

A Russian court on Tuesday dismissed U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner's appeal against a nine-year sentence for possessing and smuggling vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. Griner and her lawyers had asked for acquittal or at least a reduction in her sentence, which they said was disproportionate to the offence and at odds with Russian judicial practice. After retiring for no more than 30 minutes to consider the appeal, the presiding judge said the original verdict was upheld "without changes" except for the counting of time served in pre-trial detention as part of the sentence. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, was arrested on Feb. 17 at a Moscow airport, a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, and her case has inevitably been viewed in the context of the ensuing crisis in U.S.-Russian relations. Washington was quick to respond to the verdict. "We are aware of the news out of Russia that Brittney Griner will continue to be wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances after having to undergo another sham judicial proceeding today," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement He said the United States would "continue to engage with Russia" to bring her home. Also Read: Basketballer Brittney Griner urges Russian court to reduce her sentence, issues apology The state prosecutor had said Griner's Aug. 4 sentence of nine years in a penal colony was "fair", but Alexander Boykov, one of her lawyers, had told the three-judge panel sitting in Krasnogorsk, on the outskirts of Moscow: "No judge, hand on heart, will honestly say that Griner's nine-year sentence is in line with Russian criminal law." He listed a series of what he said were procedural flaws in Griner's conviction and requested an acquittal, but asked that "if the court wants to punish her, [it should] give her a new, 'fair' verdict and mitigate the punishment". "The severity and cruelty of the sentence applied to Griner shocks people around the world," he said. Permitted to make a final statement by live video link from her detention centre in the town of Novoye Grishino, just outside Moscow, Griner said how stressful her eight-month detention and two trials had been. "I was barely over the significant amount [of cannabis oil] ... People with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given," she said. Griner apologised for what she said was an honest mistake, as she had at her original trial, saying: "I did not intend to do this", and asking the court to take into account the fact that she had pleaded guilty. She has said she used medical cannabis to relieve the pain from a series of sports injuries. Both recreational and medicinal uses are prohibited in Russia. Wearing a black and red lumberjack shirt over a black hooded top, the 32-year-old alternately sat or stood in her cell, sometimes with head lowered, sometimes leaning against the white bars. Also Read: 'There are some positive signs, but unofficially' - Novak Djokovic on playing 2023 Australian Open When asked if she had understood the verdict, she merely replied "Yes" before being led away. U.S. President Joe Biden had called the original verdict "unacceptable". U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday that Washington was working to free Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, serving 16 years in jail after being convicted of spying, and that there had been "active discussions, including in recent days". "We have not weighed in on the various judicial proceedings and judicial steps because as we’ve made clear, we believe that these proceedings have been largely shambolic," Price told reporters. U.S. Chargee d'Affaires Elizabeth Rood, the ranking U.S. diplomat in Moscow, told media waiting outside the court that she had not been allowed to speak to Griner before or after the hearing. But Griner's lawyers said in a statement: "Brittney’s biggest fear is that she is not exchanged and will have to serve the whole sentence in Russia. She had hopes for today as each month, each day away from her family and friends matters to her." They said it would be some time before Griner was moved to a prison colony, and that they had not yet decided whether to try to launch another appeal. "We generally think we must use all the available legal tools, especially given the harsh and unprecedented nature of her verdict," the statement said.

Russian court upholds US basketball star Brittney Griner's 9-year drug sentence