Paul Whelan’s family is “devastated” he’s still in Russia, but “happy” Brittney Griner was freed, they said Thursday. The 32-year-old WNBA star was freed from Russian jail Thursday in exchange for a weapons dealer. “”The Biden administration made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home and make a deal rather than wait,” he said. … Read more
In December 2018, Russian police apprehended Paul Whelan in a Moscow hotel. He disputes his 16-year espionage sentence. In June 2021, he told the media he was in prison. Russians reportedly made it clear more recently that they would only negotiate for Brittney Griner and not Paul Whelan. The reason for this is that Russians … Read more
There is growing evidence that the Kremlin is recruiting Russia’s prisoners to fight in its ugly war. Activists believe hundreds, including murderers and drug offenders, have been approached. Some have even been taken from the prison where prominent American Paul Whelan is being held. In cramped prison cells, prisoners are offered freedom and wealth. Relatives … Read more
Brittney Griner is serving a nine-year sentence in a Russian prison. She was convicted of drug possession and smuggling. Moscow says it is willing to discuss prisoner exchanges with Washington. The US has urged Moscow to accept a deal to release basketball player Brittney Griner, who is serving a nine-year sentence in a Russian prison. … Read more
Viktor Bout is a convicted Russian arms dealer aka “Merchant of Death”. The Kremlin has long advocated for Bout’s release. The Biden administration offered Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan. Former Soviet military commander Viktor Bout is currently serving a 25-year jail sentence in the United States on allegations of plotting to … Read more
Biden administration is facing requests to do more for the release of two. Brittney Griner was held at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. Paul Whelan was convicted of spying in Russia. The U.S. has proposed to Russia that Moscow release Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan in exchange for Viktor Bout. WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist Griner … Read more
The United States does now not expect any improvement in family members with Russia and will maintain full aid for Ukraine regardless of Wednesday’s prisoner switch with Moscow, a US official said. “It represents no change — zero — to our approach to the appalling violence in Ukraine,” a senior US official told reporters. “These discussions with the … Read more
