KREMLIN— American basketball star Brittney Griner was released from Russian penal colony Ryazan on Friday after first-round draft picks, according to Russian state media.

Griner was immediately sent to the front lines of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine for six months (or until she is killed), said Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Prime Minister of Russia.

“Comrade Griner has made the ultimate commitment to strengthen the western border of Russia from unscrupulous Nazi attacks,” said Peskov. “Her devotion to the Motherland and willingness to leave the safety of the gulag eight and one-half years early is to be admired.”

Griner was persuaded to accept the terms of team Russia’s contract after a recruiter laid out the numerous benefits, including a choice of two duty stations, Crimea or Kherson, and threats of death by firing squad.