Former US Marine Urges Biden to Secure His Release from Russian Prison

Paul Whelan, imprisoned for five years on espionage charges, criticizes the US government's failed diplomatic efforts and calls for action.

Paul Whelan, a former US Marine, has been held in a Russian prison for five years on charges of espionage, which both he and the US government deny.
Whelan has criticized President Biden for failing to secure his release, despite promises to do so, and has called on him to 'man up' and take action.
Whelan claims that the US government lost negotiating leverage with Russia after securing the release of two other American citizens in 2022, leaving him without options for a future trade.
Whelan has expressed his depression and the toll of isolation in the Russian labor camp, especially during the Christmas season.
The White House has stated that there is 'no higher priority' for Biden than securing Whelan's release, and that it has made 'significant' offers to Russia for his release, but has been denied.