Grinning back on the basketball court: “A miracle”

February 17: Griner is arrested at an airport in Khimki, outside Moscow, as she arrives from the United States. Griner and her lawyers’ explanation is that the cannabis oil ended up in the luggage due to careless packaging and that she has cannabis prescribed by a doctor as a pain reliever.

July 1: Griner’s trial begins.

July 7: Griner pleads guilty to drug charges.

July 28: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the US has offered Russia a deal in which Griner and another imprisoned American, convicted spy Paul Whelan, are released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor But.

July 29: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov opens up for a possible prisoner exchange.

August 4: Griner is sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for drug offences.

August 15: Griner appeals the prison sentence, Russian media reports.

October 25: The appeal is rejected.

November 9: The American basketball star moved to a penal colony.

“We have no information about her current position or final destination,” her lawyers said in a statement.

November 17: Griner begins serving his sentence at a penal colony in Mordvinia, about 35 miles east of Moscow.

November 18: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says he hopes for a prisoner exchange with the United States.

November 29: Ryabkov confirms that a deal is still possible before the end of the year.

December 8: Griner is released. In exchange for arms dealer Viktor But.

December 9: Griner lands in San Antonio, USA.

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