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.
