The much-discussed prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia has been completed.
On Thursday, the United States released Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for the release of American basketball star Brittney Griner, who was imprisoned in Russia.
Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the United States. He served 12 years of imprisonment. And Greener was detained for eight months.
The release of only two prisoners was watched closely by the whole world.
Griner was flown from Moscow and Bout from Washington to Abu Dhabi as part of the settlement. From there they reached their respective countries.
Meanwhile, after their release, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a joint statement that they led the mediation efforts that secured Griner’s release from Russia.
However, the White House said that Griner’s release was discussed only between the United States and Russia. There was no Saudi mediation in this case.
