Paul Whelan, an American citizen detained in Russia for over five years, expressed renewed optimism about US efforts to secure his release during a recent call. However, he also acknowledged concerns regarding the recent arrest of a US soldier in Russia.
Whelan, designated as wrongfully detained by the US State Department, mentioned being informed by his parents about the arrest of US Staff Sgt. Gordon Black in Vladivostok on charges of theft. Black traveled to Russia without permission and is currently in pre-trial detention until July 2.
Whelan expressed worries that if Black is also designated as wrongfully detained, it could complicate negotiations for his own release and that of detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. He highlighted the challenges of negotiations involving multiple detained individuals.
Despite these concerns, Whelan sounded more positive about the US' efforts to secure his release, mentioning ongoing negotiations and proposals made by the Biden administration. He emphasized the importance of bringing him and Gershkovich home as a top priority for US officials.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively involved in discussions with Whelan, showing support and reassurance from the US government. Whelan expressed hope that the situation would soon be resolved, emphasizing the need for high-level intervention to address his prolonged detention.
Whelan's resilience in the face of difficult circumstances was commended by a State Department spokesperson, who called for his immediate release from Russia. The State Department continues to work diligently on the case, with efforts focused on securing Whelan's freedom.
Whelan remains hopeful that the ongoing negotiations will lead to a positive outcome, despite the complexities introduced by the recent arrest in Russia. He reiterated his desire to speak with top officials to raise awareness about his situation and seek their assistance in resolving the matter.
