Paul Whelan, the former Marine and American detained in Russia for over five years, has expressed his concerns following the recent death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Whelan, in an exclusive interview, stated that Navalny's passing under suspicious circumstances in a Russian prison is deeply troubling to him. He believes this event signifies that the Russian authorities may be willing to harm individuals without hesitation.
Whelan emphasized the potential repercussions of such actions, highlighting that if the Russians are willing to face global criticism for the treatment of Navalny, they would not hesitate to target him and shift blame to the United States for his prolonged detention.
He has once again urged the Biden administration to take all necessary steps to secure his release after enduring more than five years in a Russian prison. Whelan expressed confidence in ongoing efforts on his behalf, particularly after a positive conversation with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, whom he described as a productive discussion.
On his 54th birthday, Whelan shared his sentiments about spending the occasion in a Russian prison, describing it as an unusual experience. Despite the circumstances, he mentioned having modest celebrations with fellow inmates, providing a brief respite from the challenges of prison life.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to bringing both Whelan and another individual, Evan Gershkovich, back home, underscoring the ongoing efforts to facilitate their return.
