Whelan, arrested in 2018 on charges of spying, and Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in March on espionage charges, remain in Russian custody despite persistent efforts by the U.S. government.
National security spokesperson John Kirby revealed that a U.S. proposal to secure the release of Whelan and Gershkovich was met with resistance from the Russian government. Despite this setback, the U.S. administration is committed to exploring all avenues to bring these Americans home.
Paul Whelan, frustrated by the diplomatic intricacies, expressed his disappointment with the Biden administration for failing to secure his release alongside Griner in 2022.
In a statement delivered through his family, Whelan emphasized the urgency of decisive action, stating, “A promise is a promise. The clock is ticking on getting this done. Please bring me home.”
Hostage Affairs Office
In response to the growing challenges faced by Americans detained abroad, Congress passed legislation in 2020 establishing the Special Representative for Hostage Affairs. This office concentrates government efforts to advocate for and secure the release of Americans unjustly imprisoned or taken hostage in foreign lands.
