### Recent Arrest of an American in Russia Complicates Situation for Michigan Native Paul Whelan
Paul Whelan, a Michigan native detained and convicted in Russia on espionage charges, faces an increasingly complex situation following the arrest of another American in Russia last week. Whelan, who has been imprisoned in a Mordovian camp for the past five years, shared his concerns in a phone interview with CNN. The recent arrest is likely to impact the negotiations for his release, adding to the distress of his aging parents in Metro Detroit. Whelan’s brother, David, expressed frustration with the U.S. government’s handling of Paul’s case, suggesting that efforts to secure his release are being overshadowed by newer cases. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Americans detained abroad and the intricate diplomatic negotiations involved in their release.
The recent arrest of another American in Russia is expected to negatively impact Paul Whelan, a native of Michigan. Whelan, who has been detained and labeled a spy for the past five years, is currently held in a prison camp in Mordovia. He communicated with CNN via telephone on Thursday, May 9, and his twin brother, David Whelan, later shared his thoughts with Local 4, highlighting the ongoing trauma experienced by their elderly parents, who reside in Metro Detroit. Paul has been in touch with them over the past few days, relaying messages through the Secretary of State’s office in Washington, D.C.
The prospect of Paul returning to Michigan seems increasingly bleak. United States Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was arrested in Vladivostok last week on theft charges while visiting his long-term girlfriend. Paul, who has limited access to phone calls from prison, expressed his concerns to CNN, fearing that this new arrest could complicate and reset negotiations for his and Wall Street Journalist Evan Gershkovich’s release. Gershkovich was arrested last year, and Paul worries that adding another detainee to the negotiations could start the process anew, as has happened in the past with other detainees like Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner, a WNBA star.
David Whelan believes the Biden Administration is making efforts for Paul’s release, but the addition of new detainees could prioritize quicker releases over Paul’s, potentially prolonging his detention. Paul recently shared an incident about being caught in a prison riot but was protected by friends. David also expressed concerns about the impact of prolonged detention on Paul’s mental health.
