Paul Whelan has been detained in Russia for 1,606 days, and in a new interview, he’s striking a more positive tone about his chances of coming home.
It is a big change considering how bleak things were following the release of Brittney Griner.
Whelan hopes for more action on his behalf, but he is much more hopeful that he will get to come back home to Michigan.
Whelan, who has been wrongfully detained in Russia for more than four years, spoke to CNN from a Russian prison.
“I remain positive and confident on a daily basis that the wheels are turning,” Whelan said. “I just wish they would turn a little bit more quickly.”
Back in December, Whelan spoke with CNN shortly after the release of Griner, the result of a second prisoner swap between the United States and Russia that didn’t include him.
But he’s hopeful that his time will come.
“I’m more confident now,” Whelan said. “You know, I feel that my life shouldn’t be considered less valuable or important than others who have been previously traded. I have been told that although Evan’s case is a priority, mine is also a priority.”
Evan Gershkovich is a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained by Russian authorities almost two months ago. Just like Whelan, he has been charged with espionage.
United States officials are searching for options that could draw Russia to the negotiating table and secure the release of both men.
Whelan sent a message to United States President Joe Biden.
“Freedom is not free,” Whelan said. “It comes at a price. But the loss of freedom is even more costly, and I pay that cost every day Russia holds me. Please follow through with your promises and commitments, truly make my life a priority, and get me home.”
Whelan said there would be an end to the situation and hoped it would come sooner than later.
