Blinken Speaks With Paul Whelan, Detained American in Russia; Pledges to Pursue Release Efforts

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the United States' commitment to securing the release of Paul Whelan, a former Marine detained in Russia, during remarks at an event focused on hostage diplomacy.

Blinken stated that he had a telephone conversation with Whelan on Monday, emphasizing that efforts to bring Whelan home are ongoing. The event, held at the Wilson Center, a prominent think tank in Washington, also saw Blinken vow sustained efforts to secure the release of jailed journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is similarly detained in Russia.

US' Efforts to Free Whelan

(Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images

During the event, Blinken did not delve into the specifics of his conversation with Whelan but affirmed the unwavering dedication of the US government to secure his release.

A State Department spokesperson later confirmed that it was the third time Blinken had spoken with Whelan, underscoring the priority placed on securing his freedom by both Blinken and President Joe Biden.

"Our intensive efforts to bring Paul home continue every single day, and they will until he and Evan Gershkovich and every other American wrongfully detained is back with their loved ones," Blinken said.

In his remarks, Blinken condemned the practice of arbitrary detention, emphasizing that citizens should not be used as pawns in geopolitical games.

"Here's the truly heartbreaking part: Unfortunately, this is part of a rising trend. Increasingly, states - but also nonstate actors - are wrongfully detaining people, often as political pawns," he said. "This practice threatens the safety of everyone who travels, conducts business, who lives abroad."

He also highlighted the Biden administration's broader efforts to address hostage situations, including ongoing negotiations in the Middle East aimed at securing the release of hostages in Gaza.

The renewed focus on Whelan's case comes amidst previous failed attempts to negotiate his release with the Russian government. Despite the rejection of previous proposals by Russia, Blinken asserted that the US would persist in its efforts to secure the release of both Whelan and Gershkovich.

Combatting Arbitrary Detention

Whelan, who was working in security for a US vehicle parts company in Russia, was detained in December 2018 on espionage charges, which he and the US government vehemently deny. Despite the denial of charges, Whelan was sentenced to a 16-year prison term in 2020.

Gershkovich, a correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in March 2023 in the city of Yekaterinburg on allegations of spying, which he and his employer refuted.

Whelan's family has been vocal in their calls for increased efforts to secure his release. Earlier in January, President Biden met with Whelan's sister to discuss ongoing efforts to secure his freedom.

However, concerns remain about the potential for Whelan to be left behind in Russia amid negotiations for a potential prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich.

The event also underscored broader international efforts to combat arbitrary detention. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, speaking at the event, highlighted the coalition launched by Canada to oppose the arbitrary detention of foreign nationals for political reasons, citing similar incidents involving Canadian citizens detained in China.

"Together we're sending a strong message that this practice will not be tolerated. Citizens cannot be used as pawns in a geopolitical game," Joly said.