Seth Udinski, FISM News

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WNBA star Brittney Griner has been sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison for illegal possession of drugs, according to reports from ESPN Thursday.

The sentencing comes amidst increasing tension between the US and Russia over the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, Americans are waiting to see if the two world powers will agree to a prisoner swap involving Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan in exchange for Russian weapons dealer Viktor Bout and possibly more prisoners, depending on Vladimir Putin’s demands and the U.S. government’s willingness to meet them.

The ESPN report revealed that this could be potentially good news for Griner. With her sentencing out of the way, U.S. authorities can now focus their attention solely on ensuring her release with a prisoner swap.

President Joe Biden said, “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”

Griner said during her sentencing, “I never meant to hurt anybody. I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population. I never meant to break any laws here. I made an honest mistake, and I hope that in your ruling, that it doesn’t end my life here.”

Though many Americans are concerned for Griner’s well-being, some are equally concerned that Russia would be getting a far better deal if the prisoner exchange went through, especially if Putin’s demands for a second prisoner are met. Many believe Griner’s entire legal ordeal could be part of a Putin plot to retrieve dangerous Russians imprisoned abroad for his continued war in Ukraine and potential attacks elsewhere.