INSIDER
Biden heaps praise on Slovenia PM for aiding release of Americans in major US-Russia prisoner swap
Read full article: Biden heaps praise on Slovenia PM for aiding release of Americans in major US-Russia prisoner swapPresident Joe Biden heaped praise on Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob during an Oval Office meeting for his key role in a recent seven-nation prisoner swap.
Washtenaw County community celebrates Paul Whelan’s release from Russian prison
Read full article: Washtenaw County community celebrates Paul Whelan’s release from Russian prisonIn many ways, Manchester is a community rooted in faith. For the past five-and-a-half years, they never lost hope that Paul Whelan would be released. Two weeks ago, their prayers were answered.
An assassin, a Putin foe's death, secret talks: How a sweeping US-Russia prisoner swap came together
Read full article: An assassin, a Putin foe's death, secret talks: How a sweeping US-Russia prisoner swap came togetherThe 24-person blockbuster prison swap carried out this week required the U.S. to regroup after the unexpected death in February of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who’d been seen as a key cog in a potential exchange.
Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history
Read full article: Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet historyThe U.S. and Russia completed on Thursday their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, a deal involving 24 people, many months of negotiations and concessions from other European countries who released individuals in their custody as part of the exchange.
Timeline: Michigan man Paul Whelan released from Russian prison after more than 5 years
Read full article: Timeline: Michigan man Paul Whelan released from Russian prison after more than 5 yearsMichigan man Paul Whelan has been released from Russian prison after spending more than five years in custody.
Prisoner Swap Latest: Freed Americans return to US soil and emotional welcome
Read full article: Prisoner Swap Latest: Freed Americans return to US soil and emotional welcomeThe United States and Russia have completed a 24-person prisoner swap, the largest in post-Soviet history, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan in a multinational deal that set some two dozen people free.
Russian minister says US 'isn't helping' by bringing up prisoner swap talks on reporter Gershkovich
Read full article: Russian minister says US 'isn't helping' by bringing up prisoner swap talks on reporter GershkovichRussia’s foreign minister blamed “the Americans” for publicly bringing up a possible prisoner exchange involving imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, which he said “isn’t helping.”.
US tells Russian minister Putin should release detained Americans including Gershkovich and Whelan
Read full article: US tells Russian minister Putin should release detained Americans including Gershkovich and WhelanThe U.S. Ambassador told Russia’s foreign minister that President Vladimir Putin should release detained Americans, singling out journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan.
A US journalist goes on trial in Russia on espionage charges that he and his employer deny
Read full article: A US journalist goes on trial in Russia on espionage charges that he and his employer denyWall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has gone on trial in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on espionage charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government vehemently deny.
Who are some of the Americans behind bars in Russia, and what are the prospects for their release?
Read full article: Who are some of the Americans behind bars in Russia, and what are the prospects for their release?Arrests of Americans in Russia have become increasingly common with relations sinking to Cold War lows.
Novi man Paul Whelan’s family losing hope after 2,000 days in Russian prison
Read full article: Novi man Paul Whelan’s family losing hope after 2,000 days in Russian prisonWhile the Michigan native still holds out hope for an early release, after 2,000 days in custody, that hope for his family fades.
US soldier convicted of theft in Russia and sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison
Read full article: US soldier convicted of theft in Russia and sentenced to nearly 4 years in prisonA court in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok has convicted a visiting American soldier of stealing and making threats of murder, and it sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison.
New American detainee adds uncertainty for Michigan native Paul Whelan in Russian espionage case
Read full article: New American detainee adds uncertainty for Michigan native Paul Whelan in Russian espionage caseThe arrest last week of another American in Russia is likely to hurt Michigan native Paul Whelan.
Biden says he's working to secure release of Wall Street Journal reporter held for a year in Russia
Read full article: Biden says he's working to secure release of Wall Street Journal reporter held for a year in RussiaPresident Joe Biden says the U.S. is working every day to secure the release of a Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia.
A growing number of Americans end up in Russian jails. The prospects for their release are unclear
Read full article: A growing number of Americans end up in Russian jails. The prospects for their release are unclearU.S. citizens jailed in Russia include a Wall Street Journal reporter, a vacationing corporate security executive and a dual national visiting her family in Tatarstan.
Russia must face consequences for imprisonment of Wall Street Journal reporter, lawyer says
Read full article: Russia must face consequences for imprisonment of Wall Street Journal reporter, lawyer saysA lawyer for The Wall Street Journal says Russia must face consequences for its detention of Evan Gershkovich, one of the newspaper's reporters.
Navalny aides say the Russian opposition leader was close to being freed before his death
Read full article: Navalny aides say the Russian opposition leader was close to being freed before his deathAssociates of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny say talks had been underway to exchange him for a Russian imprisoned in Germany.
Putin says Russia is in dialogue with the US on exchanging jailed Americans Gershkovich and Whelan
Read full article: Putin says Russia is in dialogue with the US on exchanging jailed Americans Gershkovich and WhelanRussian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is in dialogue with the United States on the issue of bringing home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.
US made offer to bring home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. Russia rejected it
Read full article: US made offer to bring home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. Russia rejected itThe Biden administration says its made a new and significant offer aimed at securing the release of American detainees Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, but Russia has rejected the offer.
‘We ain’t giving up’: President Biden still holds out hope that hostage from Novi will return home
Read full article: ‘We ain’t giving up’: President Biden still holds out hope that hostage from Novi will return homePresident Joe Biden said, "We ain't giving up" on bringing Paul Whelan home to Michigan.
Morning 4: Rounds of heavy showers, isolated storms possible Thursday in SE Michigan -- and other news
Read full article: Morning 4: Rounds of heavy showers, isolated storms possible Thursday in SE Michigan -- and other newsMorning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.
Paul Whelan speaks with US Secretary of State about release from Russian prison camp
Read full article: Paul Whelan speaks with US Secretary of State about release from Russian prison campAccording to the United States government, Paul Whelan has been wrongfully detained in Russia for nearly five years.
American ambassador to Russia visits jailed reporter Gershkovich, says he's in good health
Read full article: American ambassador to Russia visits jailed reporter Gershkovich, says he's in good healthU.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy has made her third visit to Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been behind bars in Russia since March on charges of espionage.
Community shows support for imprisoned Michigander in Russia
Read full article: Community shows support for imprisoned Michigander in RussiaPaul Whelan has been in Russian custody for four and a half years now. And it turns out his hometown was pulling for him and showing support in a way that has Whelan's family deeply touched.
Paul Whelan strikes confident tone for return from Russia back home to Michigan in new interview
Read full article: Paul Whelan strikes confident tone for return from Russia back home to Michigan in new interviewPaul 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.
US urges Russia's Lavrov to see suffering of Whelan's sister
Read full article: US urges Russia's Lavrov to see suffering of Whelan's sisterThe U_S_ has brought the sister of an American imprisoned in Russia to the U_N_ Security Council for a session being chaired by the Russian foreign minister, urging him to “look into her eyes and see her suffering.”.
‘US has abandoned me’: Paul Whelan tells parents his abandonment comes after WNBA star was freed
Read full article: ‘US has abandoned me’: Paul Whelan tells parents his abandonment comes after WNBA star was freedHis feeling of abandonment comes months after the high-profile prisoner swap that brought WNBA star Britney Griner home, but he still sits in Russia in limbo.
Flashpoint: We’re talking with the brother of a Novi man in Russian prison
Read full article: Flashpoint: We’re talking with the brother of a Novi man in Russian prisonWe’ll be talking with David Whelan -- he’s the brother of Novi’s Paul Whelan, who has been in a Russian prison for more than four years.
Diplomat: Russia might discuss swap for jailed US reporter
Read full article: Diplomat: Russia might discuss swap for jailed US reporterA top Russian diplomat says Moscow might be willing to discuss a potential prisoner swap involving jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after his trial on espionage charges.
Blinken says WSJ reporter 'wrongfully detained' by Russia
Read full article: Blinken says WSJ reporter 'wrongfully detained' by RussiaU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he has “no doubt” that Russia has wrongfully detained an American reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was arrested last week on spying allegations.
Blinken: Russia must immediately free 2 detained Americans
Read full article: Blinken: Russia must immediately free 2 detained AmericansThe State Department says Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged his Russian counterpart, in a rare phone call between the diplomats since the Ukraine war, to immediately release a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained last week as well as another imprisoned American, Paul Whelan.
Trump did not care about freeing Michigan native Paul Whelan from Russian jail during his presidency, brother says
Read full article: Trump did not care about freeing Michigan native Paul Whelan from Russian jail during his presidency, brother saysThe brother of a Michigan native who’s been detained in Russia for years on accusations of being a spy is calling out former President Donald Trump for failing to free his brother, despite Trump saying retroactively that he would have.
Brittney Griner's release celebrated by basketball world
Read full article: Brittney Griner's release celebrated by basketball worldBrittney Griner’s loved ones and extended basketball family were ecstatic when news broke about her release from a Russian prison and that she was on her way back to the United States.
'Devastated' family of American prisoner backs Griner deal
Read full article: 'Devastated' family of American prisoner backs Griner dealThe brother of an American detained in Russia for nearly four years says the Biden administration “made the right decision” to agree to a prisoner exchange that freed WNBA star Brittney Griner.
Michigan native Paul Whelan remains detained in Russia after Griner swap: ‘We’ve not forgotten’
Read full article: Michigan native Paul Whelan remains detained in Russia after Griner swap: ‘We’ve not forgotten’WNBA star Brittney Griner was freed from Russia in a high-level prisoner swap between the county and the U.S., with the U.S. releasing Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Brother of Metro Detroit native held in Russian prison says family has been in contact
Read full article: Brother of Metro Detroit native held in Russian prison says family has been in contactThe brother of a Metro Detroit native Paul Whelan said he has been in contact with his brother after he was unexpectedly unreachable in November.
Russian diplomat says prisoner swap with US remains possible
Read full article: Russian diplomat says prisoner swap with US remains possibleA senior Russian diplomat says Russia and the United States repeatedly came close to reaching agreement on a prisoner exchange and a deal remains possible before the year’s end.
Russia says nuclear talks with US delayed amid differences
Read full article: Russia says nuclear talks with US delayed amid differencesA senior Russian diplomat says Moscow has postponed a round of nuclear arms control talks with the United States set for this week because of stark differences in approach and tensions over Ukraine.
Russian parliament displays art by Griner case figure Bout
Read full article: Russian parliament displays art by Griner case figure BoutA show of prison artwork by a Russian arms trader serving 25 years in the United States and the focus of speculation about a prisoner swap that could free WBNA star Brittney Griner has opened at the upper chamber of the Russian parliament.
Melvindale man arrested during pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia after losing temper at Kaaba
Read full article: Melvindale man arrested during pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia after losing temper at KaabaA Melvindale man was arrested during a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia after he lost his temper while waiting in line at the holy site in Kaaba.
Biden hopes Putin will negotiate WNBA star Griner's release
Read full article: Biden hopes Putin will negotiate WNBA star Griner's releasePresident Joe Biden says he hopes Russian President Vladimir Putin will be more willing to negotiate the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner now that the U.S. midterm elections are over.
Kremlin: any talks about Griner swap must be confidential
Read full article: Kremlin: any talks about Griner swap must be confidentialThe Kremlin has reiterated that any discussions about a possible swap involving U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner who is serving a nine-year prison sentence in Russia for drug possession must be strictly confidential.
Brittney Griner at 'weakest moment' in Russia, her wife says
Read full article: Brittney Griner at 'weakest moment' in Russia, her wife saysWNBA star Brittney Griner is at her “absolute weakest moment in life right now” as she faces a hearing in Russia later this month for her appeal of a nine-year prison sentence for drug possession.
Venezuela swaps 7 jailed Americans for Maduro relatives
Read full article: Venezuela swaps 7 jailed Americans for Maduro relativesVenezuela’s government has freed seven Americans imprisoned in the South American country in exchange for the release of two nephews of President Nicolás Maduro’s wife who had been jailed for years by the United States on drug smuggling convictions.
Report urges improvements in US approach to hostage cases
Read full article: Report urges improvements in US approach to hostage casesThe Biden administration should create an additional senior-level position at the White House National Security Council to focus on cases of Americans wrongfully detained in foreign countries.
With Griner in jail, WNBA players skip Russia in offseason
Read full article: With Griner in jail, WNBA players skip Russia in offseasonTop WNBA players are finding other places to compete this winter, not wanting to go back to Russia after the arrest and conviction of Brittney Griner on drug possession charges and the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Griner, Whelan families to meet Biden amid US-Russia talks
Read full article: Griner, Whelan families to meet Biden amid US-Russia talksPresident Joe Biden plans to meet at the White House on Friday with the families of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both of whom remain jailed in Russia.
Richardson visits Moscow as Griner, Whelan remain jailed
Read full article: Richardson visits Moscow as Griner, Whelan remain jailedBill Richardson, who has worked to secure the releases of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, visited Moscow this week and held meetings with Russian leaders.
Metro Detroit family says they are worried for Paul Whelan’s in Russian prison
Read full article: Metro Detroit family says they are worried for Paul Whelan’s in Russian prisonAn update from Paul Whelan’s family as they told Local 4 that there’s considerable concern about Whelan’s health as he remains behind bars in a Russian prison.
Veteran emissary Richardson hopeful for Griner, Whelan swap
Read full article: Veteran emissary Richardson hopeful for Griner, Whelan swapBill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage negotiations, says he's hopeful about the chances of a two-for-two prisoner swap that could result in the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan.
Kremlin says Griner swap must be discussed without publicity
Read full article: Kremlin says Griner swap must be discussed without publicityThe Kremlin says it’s open to talking about a possible prisoner exchange involving American basketball star Brittney Griner but strongly warned Washington against publicizing the issue.
EXPLAINER: What will it take to get Brittney Griner home?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: What will it take to get Brittney Griner home?Now that WNBA star Brittney Griner has been convicted of drug possession and sentenced to nine years in prison, attention turns to the prospect of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia that could get her home.
Brittney Griner's trial resumes amid intensified diplomacy
Read full article: Brittney Griner's trial resumes amid intensified diplomacySince Brittney Griner last appeared in her trial for cannabis possession, the question of her fate has expanded from a cramped courtroom on Moscow’s outskirts to the highest level of Russia-U.S. diplomacy.
Blinken, Russian top diplomat speak about Griner, Whelan
Read full article: Blinken, Russian top diplomat speak about Griner, WhelanSecretary of State Antony Blinken says he has spoken to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and urged Moscow to accept a U.S. proposal to release WNBA star Brittney Griner and another American detainee, Paul Whelan.
Russia's Lavrov says he will discuss US prisoner swap offer
Read full article: Russia's Lavrov says he will discuss US prisoner swap offerRussia's top diplomat says he’s open to a call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss a possible prisoner swap involving American basketball star Brittney Griner.
Kremlin poker-faced on US swap offer to free Griner, Whelan
Read full article: Kremlin poker-faced on US swap offer to free Griner, WhelanThe Kremlin has warned that a possible prisoner swap with the United States involving American basketball star Brittney Griner needs to be negotiated quietly without fanfare.
US offers prisoner swap: Russian arms dealer for Novi native Paul Whelan, WNBA star Brittney Griner
Read full article: US offers prisoner swap: Russian arms dealer for Novi native Paul Whelan, WNBA star Brittney GrinerThe White House is offering a prisoner swap with Russia, offering an arms dealer known as “The Merchant of Death” in hopes of bringing Novi native Paul Whelan and WNBA star Brittney Griner back home.
WNBA's Griner tells drug trial: 'My career is my whole life'
Read full article: WNBA's Griner tells drug trial: 'My career is my whole life'WNBA star Brittney Griner testified at her drug possession trial in Russia that an interpreter translated only a fraction of what was said during questioning when she was detained at Moscow’s airport in February and officials told her to sign documents without giving an explanation.
Russian expert at Griner's trial discusses medical cannabis
Read full article: Russian expert at Griner's trial discusses medical cannabisThe latest Russian court hearing in the drug trial of American basketball star Brittney Griner has focused on testimony about countries that regard cannabis as having legitimate medicinal uses.
Moscow says US must respect Russian law in Griner case
Read full article: Moscow says US must respect Russian law in Griner caseThe spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry says the United States has shown disrespect for Russian law by characterizing basketball star Brittney Griner’s jailing on drug charges as “wrongful detention.”.
Griner lawyer: WNBA star had doctor's note for cannabis use
Read full article: Griner lawyer: WNBA star had doctor's note for cannabis useA lawyer for WNBA star Brittney Griner at her drug possession trial has given a Russian court a letter from a U.S. doctor recommending she use cannabis to treat pain.
WNBA's Griner gets support at trial from character witnesses
Read full article: WNBA's Griner gets support at trial from character witnessesThe drug possession trial of WNBA star Brittney Griner has resumed, with the head of the Russian club she plays for in the offseason and a teammate from that squad testifying in support of her character and what she has meant for women’s basketball in the country.
New hope for Paul Whelan to return home as government officials step in
Read full article: New hope for Paul Whelan to return home as government officials step inAmbassador Bill Richardson, who has a reputation for helping bring Americans home from difficult abroad situations, is getting involved in helping free Whelan and hopefully escape some of the turmoil he may have encountered while being held hostage.
LeBron critical on his show of US efforts to get Griner home
Read full article: LeBron critical on his show of US efforts to get Griner homeLeBron James is publicly criticizing the United States’ handling of WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner’s case in a trailer for an upcoming episode of his television show: “The Shop: Uninterrupted.”.
EXPLAINER: Is Griner's guilty plea a step toward freedom?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Is Griner's guilty plea a step toward freedom?When Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession in a Russian court, hopes rose that her months of detention may soon be over, either through a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap or a pardon from President Vladimir Putin.
WNBA's Griner pleads guilty at her drug trial in Russia
Read full article: WNBA's Griner pleads guilty at her drug trial in RussiaWNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession charges on the second day of her trial in a Russian court in a case that could see her sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.