An Incarceration that Endures: Paul Whelan's Five-Year Ordeal in Russian Detention

Paul Whelan reached a somber five-year anniversary in Russian custody on Thursday. The former US Marine had never imagined he would still be in this situation.

"It feels like a dream," Whelan expressed in a phone interview with CNN from the isolated Russian prison camp last week.

"I can't believe it's been five years since I've been here, with two governments unable to get me out," he said. In the half-dozen phone calls with CNN, Whelan has conveyed his confidence in the US government's efforts to secure his release, along with immense frustration at the lack of success.

In recent conversations, Whelan has expressed frustration that the US government claims his case is a priority but has not made progress in bringing him home. He has repeatedly expressed feelings of abandonment and fear of being left behind, especially after the release of two other Americans from Russia in a prisoner swap last year.

Whelan has also voiced growing concern for his safety, informing CNN last week that he was being targeted by an official at the prison camp after being assaulted by another inmate.

I would never have come here

Whelan was taken into custody in Moscow on December 28, 2018, during a trip he had taken to attend a friend's wedding. He has been held on allegations of espionage, which he has continuously and adamantly refuted.

Last week, Whelan expressed regret, stating, "Had I been aware of any potential issues, I would have avoided coming here altogether." After being sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020, he has been completing his sentence at a distant prison camp in Mordovia, where he is engaged in manual labor at the facility's clothing factory.

Whelan was labeled as unjustly imprisoned by the US State Department in May 2020.

The anniversary of his arrest serves as a poignant reminder to Whelan and his family of the significant losses they have endured. The painful reality of five years having passed is always present in their thoughts.

Whelan's parents, in their 80s, are bearing the brunt of this situation, as he shared with CNN in May, "I am aware that this is taking a toll on my parents, and that's the unfortunate reality."

Whelan expressed his concern last week about not being able to see them again and fondly spoke about the family's beloved dog, Flora, during his call with CNN in May. Sadly, Flora passed away the following month.

Whelan expressed disbelief at not being able to see his late cat and dog, as well as his departed relatives and distant friends. He also worried about being unable to visit his parents. His sister Elizabeth shared similar worries and mentioned the financial strain the situation has placed on their family.

Paul Whelan has consistently emphasized his determination to remain resilient during his imprisonment. However, during his most recent interview with CNN last week, he admitted that it has become "extremely challenging" to maintain a positive outlook. He confided in the US Ambassador to Russia about his battle with depression, revealing that he began his day by singing the national anthems of the four countries he represents, but his mood deteriorated as the day went on.

"It's incredibly challenging to be innocent and imprisoned, waiting for help. It's a disintegrating experience, affecting the mind, body, and soul," Whelan expressed. He has mentioned to CNN several times that he finds comfort in the cards and letters of support, although they are frequently kept from him for months by Russian authorities.

A day-to-day fight to secure his release

Both Whelan and his family have also acknowledged that the US government has made efforts to secure his release, but they want to see the process move much more quickly.

Whelan expressed his disappointment to CNN at being excluded from two prisoner swaps in 2022 that led to the release of Americans Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner. He also criticized President Joe Biden for swiftly trading Viktor Bout. In October, he informed Secretary of State Antony Blinken that being left behind the first time put his life at risk and being left behind the second time essentially sealed his fate. According to US officials, the Russians declined to include him in the swaps.

The Biden administration has offered several "significant" proposals to the Russians for Whelan, one of which was rejected in late November. This proposal aimed to secure the release of both Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is also wrongfully detained. Whelan was informed by the US government "generally" about the offer and Russia's refusal. He expressed his lack of surprise at Russia's rejection, citing Moscow's reported desire for Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin imprisoned in Germany.

During a press conference in mid-December, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that discussions are still in progress regarding the detainees, with the condition that "the American side must hear us and make a certain decision that suits the Russian side as well." In response, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller stated that the US "would welcome" Russia "negotiating in good faith."

Roger Carstens, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, expressed his hope to CNN that both Whelan and Gershkovich will come home simultaneously and soon. He emphasized the ongoing daily efforts and commitment of many individuals to bring about their safe return, describing it as a continuous and urgent priority.

Paul and his family have suffered for too long because of the Russian government's unjust detention of U.S. citizens," Blinken said in a statement on Wednesday. "Using people as political pawns is unacceptable. Since President Biden took office, the United States has secured the release of over forty wrongfully detained individuals, and we are tirelessly working to bring Paul home every day."

Elizabeth Whelan expressed frustration with her brother's case, emphasizing that despite intense efforts, they have still hit a brick wall.