Explosive Revelation: Paul Whelan Opens Up to Blinken About Dangerous Consequences of His Exclusion from Russia's Prisoner Swap

In a phone call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in August, Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia for nearly five years, emphasized the importance of not abandoning him once again. Speaking from his remote prison camp in Mordovia, Whelan expressed that his continued presence in Russia has made him vulnerable and revealed that his return is essential for his future, particularly considering his age and the nature of the work they must do from a health and safety perspective.

Despite his forceful statements to Blinken, Whelan expressed optimism about efforts to secure his release. However, he expressed frustration with the sluggish progress and emphasized the importance of not being overlooked amidst "other geopolitical matters." In addition, he expressed a desire to personally communicate with President Joe Biden to ascertain whether he will fulfill his promises. Whelan acknowledged that the Russians perceive him as a "high-value" asset and consequently expect something of equal significance in exchange.

During their phone call in August, Whelan recalled that Blinken informed him about their diligent efforts to find a resolution to the situation. Whelan described Blinken as a caring individual who expresses deep concern about the matter.

Whelan expressed confidence that everyone involved is working towards a positive outcome, and though unsure of the exact duration, he has been assured that he will not be abandoned in this situation.

Whelan, who is also an Irish, British, and Canadian citizen, was apprehended by Russian authorities at a Moscow hotel in December 2018 under allegations of involvement in an intelligence operation. Despite vehemently denying the espionage charge, the former US Marine received a prison sentence of 16 years in June 2020. The US State Department has designated him as wrongfully detained.

Unlike his fellow Americans Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner, who were released in prisoner swaps last year, Whelan was not included. US officials have stated that the Russians declined to include him in these swaps, which involved Konstantin Yaroshenko and Viktor Bout respectively.

Whelan expressed his belief that Biden made a hasty "mistake" by exchanging Yaroshenko and Bout. He also informed CNN that he is aware of Russia's efforts to secure the release of Vadim Krasikov, a former Russian colonel imprisoned in Germany for murder.

According to CNN, the Biden administration is actively exploring alternative solutions to secure Whelan's release since Russia did not provide a meaningful response to an earlier offer made this year.

A senior administration official explained to CNN in August that if the current resources are insufficient, it is necessary to determine what actions are necessary to ensure the safe return of our people.

On Monday, a State Department spokesperson affirmed Secretary Blinken's commitment to repatriating Paul, stating that the United States unequivocally condemns Russia's unjustifiable detention of Paul Whelan and demands his immediate release.

"We offered Russia a serious proposal for Pauls release and will not stop working on his case until he is reunited with his family," the spokesperson said.

Americans shouldnt travel to Russia if they value their freedom

Whelan warned Americans against traveling to Russia "if they value their freedom."

"This is not the time to come to Russia," he said.

He informed CNN that he had knowledge of the apprehension of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, stating that "it has been covered by the media here."

Additionally, Whelan obtained information from his family regarding the wrongful detainment of American journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia. He mentioned that there is no coverage on the news regarding Gershkovich's case.

He expressed certainty that he is experiencing the same kind of rigorous treatment that he endured in the past - days of monotony followed by relentless questioning and interrogation, accompanied by false promises of release in exchange for a confession. Having experienced it previously, he is familiar with the circumstances and the methods employed. He expects them to prolong the process as much as possible to exert pressure on both him and the US government. During his fourth exclusive conversation with CNN, Whelan revealed that the conditions in his isolated prison camp have worsened over the course of his three-year detention.

"The economy is struggling, and the camp urgently requires maintenance," he remarked, highlighting that the heating system has not been activated yet.

"We anticipate swift resolution of the repairs needed for the hot water system and heating radiators," he expressed.

According to him, the prison shop no longer stocks fresh produce and he mentioned that "canned goods are no longer available."

Whelan described the provided food as diluted, consisting of onions, potatoes, and cabbage. He mentioned that the everyday soups are watery, and the macaroni is soggy. The bread is stale, among other things.

Whelan disclosed that he managed to receive a flu shot not long ago by requesting one during his initial conversation with Blinken in December. According to Whelan, the process of negotiating a flu shot between the authorities took some time. "Prisoners are not typically granted easy access to such vaccinations, so even the medical staff were astonished when it was arranged by the prison service," Whelan revealed to CNN.