The Latest Breaking News from Paul Whelan

Trump claims he turned down prisoner swap for Michigan's Whelan

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he had turned down a proposed one-for-one prisoner swap with Russia that would have brought Michigan's Paul Whelan home.

Tribune News Service · Dec 12, 2022

U.S. officials met with sister of Paul Whelan, American detained in Russia

Senior U.S. officials met virtually on Monday with Elizabeth Whelan, the sister of Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia, and assured her of President Joe Biden's commitment to gaining her brother's release, the White House said.

Reuters · Dec 12, 2022

Donald Trump says he rejected Russia deal to swap 'Merchant of death' arms dealer

Trump has criticised President Biden for freeing Viktor Bout in exchange for WNBA star Brittney Griner - insisting he should have taken former US marine Paul Whelan back instead

Daily Mirror · Dec 12, 2022

‘Keep the faith, we’re coming’: White House officials say they will keep trying to return Paul Whelan to US

After Russia turned down a ‘very serious’ proposal, US officials say Joe Biden’s administration is committed to securing former Marine’s release

The Independent UK · Dec 11, 2022

White House official reveals Brittney Griner’s first words on US-bound plane after prisoner swap

‘I have been in prison for 10 months now listening to Russian. I want to talk’

The Independent UK · Dec 11, 2022

US hostage envoy told Paul Whelan to ‘keep the faith’ on release from Russia

The U.S. special envoy who helped secure WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release from Russian custody said he spoke to detained American Paul Whelan and assured him “we’re coming to get you.”

Tribune News Service · Dec 11, 2022

Brittney Griner in Texas medical facility as political fallout over swap continues

Basketball star is being debriefed at San Antonio army facility as plight of other Americans held in Russia continues

The Guardian - US · Dec 11, 2022

Kirby: U.S. is still "negotiating" for Paul Whelan's release

"This business of getting wrongfully detained Americans home, there's nothing easy about it."

Axios · Dec 11, 2022

Editorial: Biden made a bad deal for Brittney Griner

The release of WNBA star Brittney Griner after 10 months of Russian detention is cause for justifiable celebration. It has spared Griner from the possibility of years in a Russian penal colony, a punishment that far exceeded her alleged offense, and reunited her with friends and family. President Joe Biden…

Tribune News Service · Dec 11, 2022

Mac Engel: Brittney Griner owes the United States of America because she could have been Austin Tice

FORT WORTH, Texas — Trading a person whose crime is possessing a tiny amount of hash for someone who is convicted of dealing military grade firearms, many to the Taliban and Al Qaeda, doesn’t feel fair, or right.

Tribune News Service · Dec 11, 2022