Biden Meets with Sister of Wrongfully Detained Paul Whelan Amid Ongoing Efforts for His Release

Whelan, a former Marine, has been held in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges, with multiple U.S. proposals for his release rejected by Russia.

President Joe Biden met with Elizabeth Whelan, the sister of Paul Whelan, an American wrongfully detained in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges, to discuss ongoing efforts to secure his release.
Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was arrested in Moscow while attending a friend's wedding and was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020.
The U.S. government has made several unsuccessful proposals to Russia for Whelan's release, including a prisoner swap that was rejected.
Whelan has expressed frustration and desperation over his situation, pleading with President Biden to use all available resources to secure his release.
Securing Whelan's release has been a priority for the Biden administration, which has been personally engaged in efforts to free Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained worldwide.