Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
Brittney Griner Appears in Russian Court for First Day of Trial
Brittney Griner faced day one of her trial in Russia on Friday. The basketball star and Olympic gold medalist has been charged with drug offenses.Griner, 31, has been in Russian custody since February — only days before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Since then, Russian media have reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin could exchange her for an arms dealer, the New York Times reports.The out player was arrested at a Moscow airport on February 17.
Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, had flown to Russia to play for a Russian league during the WNBA’s off-season.After several weeks in jail, the U.S.
government classified her as wrongfully detained.The Times notes that while Russia’s drug laws carry extreme punishments, foreigners found with small amounts of drugs — like the 0.7 grams of cannabis oil Griner is accused of carrying in vape cartridges — are usually sentenced to a month in jail, given a fine, and are kicked out of the country.
